The Mariners have agreed to sign utilityman Alen Hanson to a minor league contract, according to Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors (Twitter link). The deal contains an invitation to Seattle’s Major League spring camp.
Most immediately, Hanson gives the M’s some experienced outfield depth in the wake of today’s news that Mitch Haniger recently underwent core surgery and will miss the start of the season. Since Haniger is expected to be back before the end of April, however, Hanson’s versatility gives him a shot at remaining on Seattle’s roster even after Haniger returns. Over 261 career games at the big league level, Hanson has started at every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher.
Not much hitting pop has come along with that defensive flexibility, as Hanson has only a .232/.266/.368 slash line over 625 career plate appearances in the majors, and he also hasn’t hit much at the Triple-A or even Double-A levels. The 27-year-old has bounced around between four different organizations over his pro career, seeing MLB action with the Pirates, White Sox, Giants, and Blue Jays.
With Haniger on the shelf, Jake Fraley and Braden Bishop stand out as Seattle’s top candidates for right field playing time. Kyle Lewis could also see some time at the position if not in left field, while Dee Gordon is expected to be deployed at multiple positions. Hanson will be battling for a utility role with such players as Tim Lopes, Patrick Wisdom, Dylan Moore, and Donnie Walton.
Am I the only one who thinks he looks like Wale? (Wale is a rapper. For the older generation of people)
Just out of curiosity, is there some sort of rule that rappers can’t use their real names? Or are they using aliases to protect the innocent?
They are like FBI Agents who have to use different names so they can stay hidden. For example Wale’s real name is Olubowale Victor Akintimehin (I wish I had that name) but goes by the less confuzzling “Wale”
I thought his name was pronounced “Whale” for a good bunch of time.
So it’s a nickname for a name that’d be hard to pronounce otherwise. Makes sense!
Movie and TV stars used “stage names” for at least the first part of the 20th Century. Other musical artists use pseudonyms or nicknames, like Sting or Bono or Lady Gaga. Or go by one name like Madonna. Probably others that I’m not aware of. It’s always been a thing in the entertainment industry.
He looks like Japan material.
Charles, can you invent some new insults? Your audience is starving for new material!
Dipoto strikes again!
Is there some sort of filter that can be added to MLBTR so I won’t ever have to hear about Alen Hanson again the rest of my living days? I’m willing to pay.
OM Goodness he was terrible last year. “Hit” .163 in TOR and .187 in AAA.
He can play a lot of different positions poorly.
Watching him play this past season was painful. At one point he was part of the same lineup that included Socrates Brito. It was such a relief when they were both DFA’d about a week apart.
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du, yeah-e-yeah
That’s right R2, we’re going to the Dagobah system.
I remember the year he was the hot prospect on his way for the Pirates. Had one disastrous year at AAA and that was it.
Remember that Ross Atkins and Mark Shapiro traded Kevin PIllar for Hanson[and a bag of fungo bats] believing he was MLB material.
And yet, Pillar is still a free agent, and Hansen isn’t. Goes to show how little the trade mattered, and you’re the only one that talks about it like it was a major deal.
Time to let go! And I’m a Jay’s fan!
Pillar isn’t going to accept a minor league deal dude.
And Hanson wasn’t expected to be anything other than roster fodder for the Jays. Some people make it seem like we have up Vlad or Bo to get him for some reason though.
This guy was electric for about two months in San Francisco. He’s been terrible in any other portion of his career though.
Seattle could use 3 weeks of electricity, baby
LOL
Mark what? You are actually citing your coworker Steve Adams of MLBTR in a post?
And where did Mr. Adams here this nugget? Visiting Seattle, overheard in a coffee shop?
This has to be a first!
Cannibalism!