The Seattle Mariners are already loaded with outfielders for the 2015 season, and now they are said to be interested in the return of Endy Chavez. CBS Sports' Jon Heyman recently announced the news via Twitter.
#mariners an option for endy chavez. the .270 career hitter has hit .271 the last 2 years for m's
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) January 12, 2015
While this is not major news, Chavez is an interesting player for the M's. In 2014, Chavez hit .276 in 232 AB's with a .317 OBP in 80 games. He also supplies decent defense.
Chavez, 37, is a 13-year veteran with three years spent in Seattle: 2009 and 2013-2014. Chavez would supply a good veteran presence and serve as a role model for a young M's team; however, stars such as second baseman Robinson Cano and ace Felix Hernandez also provide such leadership.
A reunion with Chavez is an interesting move. It seemed as if Seattle was ready to begin the season with Justin Ruggiano and Seth Smith platooning in right field along with the occasional appearance of slugger Nelson Cruz, who will likely serve as the designated hitter most every day.
Fans may wonder with the potential addition of Chavez exactly what the Mariners' angle is. Chavez is no slouch; however, he is not the kind of bat the Mariners could use. In his career, he has averaged 89 games per year with a .270/.308/.364 slash line, 2 HR, and 20 RBI. The Mariners could use one more power bat such as that of Ryan Ludwick or Jason Kubel. Ludwick, Kubel, and Chavez are all low-risk/high-reward types of players; however, Chavez lacks the power the others have.
It is likely that if the Mariners were to sign Chavez, the deal would be a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. An amount more than $4 million is also unlikely. He made $1.5 million last year. Chavez has been productive in a limited role, so the Mariners should be interested in him, but do not expect to see him on a day-to-day basis in a Seattle uniform.