Seattle Mariners Renew Interest in Dayan Viciedo
By Paul Taylor
Seattle Mariners Renew Interest in Dayan Viciedo
Sep 24, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners potential target designated hitter Dayan Viciedo (24) hits an RBI triple in the sixth inning for the Chicago White Sox against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
The Seattle Mariners ongoing search for an outfielder has seen them return to an old target. According to reports, they have a renewed interest in Dayan Viciedo.
Mariners Again Interested In Dayan Viciedo http://t.co/t4VvWiDJLp
— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) December 10, 2014
The Chicago White Sox have apparently been letting teams know at the winter meetings that Viciedo is available via a trade. The Mariners previously discussed a potential deal during last season, with their interest in the 25-year old going as far back as 2012.
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It’s no secret the Mariners are eager to resolve their outfield situation, especially after trading Michael Saunders to the Toronto Blue Jays. However, negotiations with their top target Melky Cabrera have reached a deadlock, with no agreement in sight.
While Seattle has money to spend, GM Jack Zduriencik is adamant they won’t overpay, as he told USA Today (via the Tacoma News Tribune): “the high-profile, upper-echelon dollars, we’re not going to be in that market. It’s just not going to happen.”
The Mariners have also bowed out on Matt Kemp and there appears to be no traction in respect of Alex Rios. The question is, does Viciedo represent a valid alternative?
Aug 23, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Potential Seattle Mariners target right fielder Dayan Viciedo (24) reacts in the dugout in the seventh inning during game against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. The New York Yankees won 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Certainly the Cuban defector has so far proven his durability, starting 147, 124, and 145 games during each of the previous three seasons. He also has the age advantage over Cabrera, as he is five years younger.
Viciedo has good hitting ability, last season slugging 21 home runs (more than Cabrera) combined with 58 RBIs (albeit on an OPS of .686). In particular, he has proven successful against lefties, with a career average of .291.
The biggest knock against him is his outfield play, although the Mariners appear undeterred by this. Viciedo is eligible for arbitration, and is projected to make $4.4 million next year.