If you play for the Seattle Mariners and are not tied to an unmovable contract like Robinson Cano, you better be renting.
That is because Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto is the most active GM in the sport in making trades and he just (officially) made another on Thursday.
Welcome back, Mallex Smith!
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) November 8, 2018
The outfielder returns to Seattle along with minor league OF Jake Fraley from the Rays in exchange for catcher Mike Zunino, outfielder Guillermo Heredia and minor league LHP Michael Plassmeyer.
: https://t.co/NdLEnGrxZI pic.twitter.com/ubOLkkrcGg
Catcher Mike Zunino was among the players moved in this deal and he was shocked to leave the organization that drafted him.
Zunino said he talked with manager Scott Servais a week ago about the 2019 season. He had no inclination that he might be traded.
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) November 8, 2018
Zunino made his MLB debut back in 2013 and caught 587 games for the Mariners in his six seasons with the club.
This year, Zunino hit .201 with 20 home runs and 44 RBI, while providing his solid defense behind the plate.
's getting some hardware.
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) November 7, 2018
Mike Zunino takes home the 2018 @wilsonballglove Defensive Player of the Year Award at catcher. Congrats, Mike! #TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/rncrWnLBFW
With Wilson Ramos set to leave the Rays in free agency, Zunino has the chance to handle a majority of the catching duties in Tampa, but it is still hard for him to leave Seattle.
More from Mike Zunino's conference call: pic.twitter.com/MrYDOBc4Cw
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) November 8, 2018
The Rays were one of the most exciting teams in baseball this year, so this trade could just be the best thing for Zunino's career.