There are still two months to go before the deadline, but the Seattle Mariners have made their move in the trade market by tapping a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays, both the teams made the announcement on Friday.
The Mariners, who have been trying to make their first postseason appearance since the year 2001, acquired reliever Alex Colome as well as outfielder Denard Span from the Bay Rays in exchange of pitcher Andrew Moore and the minor league pitcher Tommy Romero.
Mariners’ general manager, Jerry Dipoto said in a statement, “This is a trade that makes us a complete club in the present while also offering impact beyond this season. Alex Colomé brings an all-star resume, fortifying what we believe is an already solid back end of the bullpen. Denard Span adds length to our lineup as a steady and smart player with consistent on-base skills in addition to a veteran presence that enhances our environment.”
Colome, who has 4.5 ERA with 2-5, was the Rays closer in the past three seasons. He has converted his past ten save opportunities for 11 in this season. The veteran will earn $5.3 million in this season and has two years of arbitration eligibility left before he becomes a free agent in the year 2021.
Span, is in the final year of his contract which pays him $11 million each year, with the Giants taking in $2 million of that amount as a part of their trade deal for Evan Longoria in December. Span does have $12 million team choice for the year 2019, along with a $4 million buyout.
In his 11 year career with the Nationals, Twins, Giants and the Rays, Span has played in the center field. But he has been left out much in this year for the Rays.
