Mariners Sign Korean 1st Baseman

The Seattle Mariners signed Korean infielder Dae-Ho Lee on a minor league contract. He is expected to compete for the Mainers first baseman as the right handed platoon hitter.

I don’t know anything about him except what I have read on line. He is thirty-three years old played in Korean professional baseball before going to Japan in 2012 to play in Nippon Professional Baseball. He does have power since he hit 31 homes runs this last year and drove in 98 runs along with a .282 batting average. It will be interesting to see how it will correspond to playing major league baseball in the U.S.A.

Though we have little knowledge as fans on how Lee plays general manager Jerry Dipoto is adding more competition at first base whether he makes the roster or not. Also I understand he is an adequate fielding first baseman too. Even if he doesn’t make the opening day roster he may add depth at first base.

We will have to see what is next on Dipoto’s agenda whether he will add other additional players to the roster before the opening of spring training. Since Lee is signing a minor league contract this is a plus because if he doesn’t make it won’t cost the Mariners much money and if he is successful than the contract will be worth it. With incentives he could make up to $4 million on a one year contract.

Adam Lind the left handed hitter at first base is on a last year of his contract so he is eligible to become a free agent after this coming season. This doesn’t hurt the Mariners either because they can add an extension if things work out or they can go into next year looking to sign another first baseman. This allows the Mariners to keep their salaries in balance. Also the Mariners could make their right handed hitting first baseman full time next season. Maybe top draft pick from a few years ago D.J. Peterson could be ready to take over the position. I am sure Dipoto is looking to keep his options open. Again let the best guy win. Go Mariners!

 

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