It was reported as close to happening a few hours ago and now ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick says it’s done: Seth Smith, 32-year-old Padres outfielder, has been traded to the Mariners in a straight swap for 24-year-old right-handed reliever Brandon Maurer.
Smith was left without a starting job in San Diego when Justin Upton, Matt Kemp, and Wil Myers all arrived in a burst of early-December blockbuster trades. Smith regisetered an excellent 135 adjusted OPS+ in 2014 and fits well as a right-field platoon mate with Justin Ruggiano in Seattle.
On the flip side, Maurer is a nice long-term bullpen pickup for the vastly-improved Padres. He does have experience as a starter, but the Friars figure to keep him in relief, where he posted a 2.17 ERA and 38/5 K/BB ratio across 37 1/3 innings this past year with the M’s.
Smith can become a free agent after the 2016 season. Maurer is under control through 2019.
