Seattle Mariners Rumors: Is Alex Rios An Option? (Video)

Seattle Mariners Rumors: Is Alex Rios An Option? (Video)

Aug 15, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Alex Rios (51) who is a potential target for the Seattle Mariners, during the game against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

As the MLB Winter Meetings start in San Diego, analysts and fans alike are wondering: what will the next move be for the Seattle Mariners? Almost without question, their most pressing concern is the need for an outfielder, especially after Michael Saunders was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

As Raymond Schwabacher reported on Sunday, one possibility is Melky Cabrea. However, another name currently doing the rounds is Alex Rios.

One of the first people to report this was Mariners MLB.com reporter Greg Johns. Certainly, the Coffee, Alabama native is an intriguing proposition.

As a former first round draft pick, Rios’ talent has never been in question. However, you could argue he hasn’t quite lived up to expectations, despite plenty of glimpses of his ability:

Sure, Rios has had a decent career, including two All-Star appearances in 2006 and 2007, but the top-level consistency has never quite been there. Overall, the former Chicago White Sox player has spent eleven seasons in majors, with 165 home runs, 762 RBIs and an OPS of .762.

As you would expect, the Mariners aren’t the only one’s allegedly interested in Rios. Other teams reportedly considering him include the Cleveland Indians and the Kansas City Royals.

At 33 years old, Rios is obviously not a long-term solution if the Mariners do decide to make a move on him. However this, combined with being a free agent after having his 2015 option declined by the Texas Rangers, should ensure he is relatively cheap.

Rios retains good speed, meaning he would fit in nicely within the confines of Safeco Field. Whether he gets the opportunity to show this in Seattle remains to be seen.