MLB Rumors: Mariners Not Done Looking For Outfielders

Even after trading for slugger Teoscar Hernandez for right field, the Seattle Mariners, according to reports, are not done shopping in the outfield aisle this offseason.

Even with Julio Rodríguez in center and Teoscar Hernández in right, the #Mariners are not done looking at outfielders. I'm told they're considering upgrades in left field, where internal options include Winker, Haggerty, Moore, and Kelenic. @MLBNetwork @SeattleSports

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 16, 2022

According to MLB Insider Jon Morosi, they'd still like to upgrade their left field situation, where current internal candidates include the vastly disappointing Jesse Winker and Jarred Kelenic, along with Sam Haggerty, and the versatile Dylan Moore.

Winker was the primary left fielder in 2022, but he turned in a vexing performance both on and off the field. His All-Star season in 2021 quickly evaporated after he arrived from Cincinnati in an offseason trade. His batting average fell off from .305 to .219, his HR from 24 to 14, and his OPS took a precipitous decline, from .949 to .688. He was said to have 'worn out his welcome' by some in the media, and he also underwent surgeries on his neck and left knee last month.

Former top prospect Kelenic has been a disappointment in his two seasons with the Mariners with a cumulative average of .168 in 500 at-bats. 

The arrival of Hernandez in right field could also spell the end of any hope that Mitch Haniger will be re-signed by the M's.

Photo: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports