The Seattle Mariners have made a big move in the MLB offseason, reacquiring outfielder Mitch Haniger from the San Francisco Giants in exchange for pitcher Robbie Ray.
Haniger, who was originally drafted by the Mariners in 2012, was traded to the Giants in December 2020 as part of the deal that sent pitcher Anthony Bass to Seattle. He had a successful stint with the Giants, hitting .255 with four home runs and 10 RBIs in 29 games.
In exchange for Haniger, the Mariners sent Ray to San Francisco. Ray is a veteran left-handed pitcher who has been with the Mariners since 2018. He had a solid 2020 season, posting a 3.94 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 11 starts.
The move reunites Haniger with the Mariners, who are hoping he can help bolster their offense. Haniger is a two-time All-Star who has hit .277/.341/.476 with 77 home runs and 250 RBIs in his career. He also has a strong defensive reputation, having won a Gold Glove Award in 2019.
The Mariners are hoping that Haniger can help them return to the playoffs for the first time since 2001. They have been rebuilding their roster over the past few years and this move could be the final piece of the puzzle.
The Giants, meanwhile, will be hoping that Ray can help bolster their pitching staff. He has a career 3.90 ERA and 1.25 WHIP and could be a valuable addition to their rotation.
Overall, this trade could be beneficial for both teams. The Mariners get an experienced outfielder who can help them on both sides of the ball, while the Giants get a solid pitcher who can help their rotation. It will be interesting to see how this trade pans out for both teams in 2021.
