The Mariners have filled one obvious need in their lineup for 2023, agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran outfielder A.J. Pollock, an MLB source has confirmed to The Times.
The 35-year-old Pollock, who has a strong track record against left-handed pitching, will likely be the right-handed-hitting side of a left-field platoon with Jarred Kelenic. Pollock is also a candidate for regular plate appearances as the designated hitter.
The Mariners’ deal with Pollock is for $7 million for 2023, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported late Saturday. The deal is pending a physical examination, which Pollock isn’t scheduled to take until later in the week, a source told The Times.
Pollock declined a $13 million player option for 2023 with the Chicago White Sox, but he did receive a $5 million buyout as part of a clause in his contract.
Pollock is coming off a down year in 2022, his first in the American League. He had a slash line of .245/.292/.389 with 14 homers and 56 RBI in 527 plate appearances with the White Sox.
He had a slash line of .281/.338/.467 across his first 10 major league seasons, with the Diamondbacks and Dodgers.
Pollock hit 11 of his 14 homers off left-handers in 2022, and he has a career OPS of .868 against left-handed pitching.
Pollock is the third significant addition to the Mariners offense, after the club acquired outfielder Teoscar Hernandez and second baseman Kolten Wong in November trades.