Rangers trade Martin to Mariners in multi-player deal

Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto continues to be aggressive in restructuring his roster less than two months into the job.

The Mariners acquired outfielder Leonys Martin and right-hander Anthony Bass from the Texas Rangers on Monday, in exchange for right-hander Tom Wilhelmsen, outfielder James Jones, and a player to be named later.

"The addition of Martin gives us a premier defensive center fielder," Dipoto told reporters. "His athleticism and speed will be strong additions to our lineup as we continue to mold the roster. Bass will give our club added flexibility and depth in our bullpen."

Limited to 95 games with wrist and hand injuries, Martin hit .219/.264/.313 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases. The 27-year-old slashed .257/.307/.360 with 20 home runs, 46 doubles, and 81 stolen bases in 397 games across the last three years, appearing at all three outfield positions.

Rangers GM Jon Daniels said last week that he'd received interest in Martin after he appeared to fall out of favor with the team for not reporting to Arizona to work out after being left off Texas' ALDS roster. The emergence of Delino DeShields also contributed to the Rangers' willingness to deal Martin.

Dipoto had been in search of a speedy, strong defensive outfielder, and was rumored to have interest in Jackie Bradley Jr. of the Boston Red Sox and Brett Gardner of the New York Yankees.

Bass made 33 appearances out of the bullpen last season, posting a 4.50 ERA and 45 strikeouts over 64 innings. The 28-year-old owns a 4.40 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in five seasons.

Wilhelmsen became expendable following Dipoto's acquisition of Joaquin Benoit last week. The 31-year-old logged 13 saves and a 3.19 ERA over 53 appearances, striking out 60 over 62 innings.

The speedy Jones has struggled to hit at the major-league level, slashing .238/.268/.296 with 10 doubles and 29 stolen bases over 136 games. The 27-year-old split last season between the Mariners and Triple-A Tacoma.