Giants acquire left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray from Mariners, trade Haniger to Seattle with DeSclafani

Mitch Haniger returned to the Seattle Mariners in a trade with the San Francisco Giants, reuniting him with his former team.

The Seattle Mariners have welcomed outfielder Mitch Haniger back to their team after acquiring him from the San Francisco Giants in a trade that also involved right-hander Anthony DeSclafani and $6 million in exchange for left-hander Robbie Ray. Haniger previously played for the Mariners from 2017-22 before leaving to join the Giants on a $43.5 million, three-year contract.

During his time with the Giants, Haniger hit a career-low .209 with six home runs and 28 RBIs last year, which was a season marked by injury when he broke his right forearm. Despite this setback, Haniger's return to the Mariners is a significant addition, given his previous All-Star status in 2018 and his career-high 39 home runs and 100 RBIs in 2021.

Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry DiPoto expressed the team's high regard for Haniger, emphasizing his familiarity with the player. Additionally, the acquisition of DeSclafani provides the Mariners with valuable depth in their pitching staff, as he has proven himself as a versatile pitcher capable of starting or pitching out of the bullpen.

DeSclafani, who has a 4.88 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance last year, brings experience and reliability to the Mariners' pitching rotation. On the other hand, Ray, who underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair last year, has been a consistent and reliable pitcher throughout his career, making him a valuable asset to the team.

The financial aspects of the trade involve payments from the Giants to the Mariners, with San Francisco sending $1 million on the first of each month from April through September this year. Haniger, Ray, and DeSclafani all have varying financial obligations as part of their contracts, with Haniger owed $17 million this year and $15.5 million in 2025, Ray owed $73 million from the remaining three seasons of a $115 million, five-year contract, and DeSclafani receiving $12 million in the final season of a $36 million, three-year deal.

Overall, the trade represents a significant move for the Mariners, bolstering both their outfield and pitching staff with experienced and capable players. The return of Haniger, along with the addition of DeSclafani and Ray, demonstrates the team's commitment to strengthening their roster and competing at a high level in the upcoming season.

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