Seattle Mariners News: Five Non-Tendered Players Who Could Help The M’s

Jun 20, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman

(88) slides home for a run against the Boston Red Sox during the eighth inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Blanks

Nothing like swooping an underrated talent away from a division rival, right? Blanks is a left fielder/first baseman who most recently appeared with the Oakland Athletics. He’s a 28-year-old with a 106 wRC+ and non-atrocious defense, though he certainly isn’t a plus in the field. This is an era of pitching, and Blanks stands out as a journeyman who’s never not hit. This makes him a valuable major leaguer.

Blanks’ has a balky achilles, but if he’s healthy enough by opening day then he should probably be on a big league bench. With Torii Hunter off the board, the M’s are going to need to start looking for a true fourth outfielder. Why not Blanks, who has shown some pop, can play multiple positions, and is still young enough to potentially turn a corner?