After the Oakland Athletics traded away Sonny Gray to the New York Yankees, Oakland was involved in another trade with the Seattle Mariners on Sunday that sent left-handed first baseman Yonder Alonso to the Pacific Northwest in exchange for left fielder Boog Powell.
#Mariners claimed Alonso on waivers, worked out deal. #Athletics want to play Olson. https://t.co/Z6rIqf8nSv
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 6, 2017
Seattle Mariners Acquire Yonder Alonso From Oakland Athletics
The 30-year-old first baseman has shown off his power during the first half of the 2017 season, as he is hitting .266 with a career high 22 home runs and 49 RBI. Alonso’s last career high in home runs was when he hit nine home runs as a member of the San Diego Padres in 2012. The second half of the season has not seen the same amount of production as his first half for Alonso. Since the All-Star break, Alonso has owned a .377 slugging percentage with only two home runs, but he still ranks second in the American League with a .527 slugging percentage.
The Mariners haven’t been in the playoffs since 2001 and are currently a game and a half behind the Kansas City Royals for the second wild card. Seattle is hoping to add depth to their lineup by acquiring Alonso. Alonso being a left handed hitter, could platoon at first base with former Oakland A Danny Valencia. Valencia has hit .256/.300/.356 against right-handed pitching and will need a platoon partner at first base.
Although Alonso has not had the same success since the All Star Break, he will be a small upgrade over Valencia against righties. August will be a tough month for Seattle, where they are expected to go on a long 12 game road trip later this month. If Seattle can stay close to the Royals by the end of August, they can make a run for the second wild card spot in September.
As for Oakland, they will be receiving left fielder Powell. Powell has hit .194 with two RBI in 23 games this season for the Mariners. He has spent most of the season with Triple-A Tacoma where he has hit .340/.416/.490 in 58 games. The former 2012 draft pick has been traded three times over the last 19 months.
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