Dipoto: Mariners willing to let Ohtani be 2-way player
The Seattle Mariners have spent the past year preparing their sales pitch for international free-agent Shohei Ohtani, and they may be willing to make particular adjustments to help land him.
Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto appeared on The Wheelhouse podcast with broadcaster Aaron Goldsmith on Wednesday and disclosed how his club plans to entice Ohtani into signing with Seattle.
With the Mariners not among the teams with the most international signing bonus pool money - Seattle has $1.55 million, but are eligible to acquire $2.3 million more - Dipoto mentioned Seattle would be willing to play current designated hitter Nelson Cruz in the outfield several times a week to allow Ohtani to hit - on top of pitch - next season.
"I think Nelson is going to be foaming at the mouth for the opportunity to get back out in the outfield a couple times a week if need be," he said.
After Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association, and Nippon Professional Baseball reportedly reached a tentative agreement Tuesday on a new posting system - which owners still have a Dec. 1 vote to ratify - the intrigue in Ohtani has increased.
If the deal is accepted, Ohtani would almost assuredly be posted right away, which in conjunction with the 21-day window to negotiate, would set him up to be signed by Christmas.
Dipoto explained the Mariners would "bring out the big guns" and do everything they can to land Ohtani, who hit .332/.403/.540 in Japan last season while posting a 3-2 record and 3.20 ERA in five starts on the mound.
Cruz only made five appearances in Seattle's outfield in 2017.