MLB Rumors: Brad Miller wins Mariners shortstop job; Nick Franklin being shopped
By Matt Shetler
Everything was looking good for Seattle Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin.
He showed enough promise as a rookie for the Mariners last season that he seemed set as the team’s long-term answer.
Then they went and threw $240 million at Robinson Cano.
Franklin was competing for the job at shortstop but with the spring that Brad Miller had, he will be Seattle’s shortstop.
That has forced the M’s to demote Franklin back to Triple-A instead of keeping him in a part-time role.
While there, Franklin will see some time in the outfield as the 23-year old says he is simply “trying to be versatile,” reports Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times.
Franklin has been a hot subject of trade speculation, as he lacks a regular spot in the Seattle infield and could appeal to a variety of clubs.
But his focus is on getting to the bigs with his current organization. “Some way, somehow I want to get on the field, whatever it takes,” said Franklin. “What am I going to do, wait around for someone to get hurt?”
With the Mariners in the market for another starting pitcher after the departure of Randy Wolf, expect Franklin’s name to be thrown out there a lot.
Franklin played 102 games in the majors last year and prior to making his MLB debut in late May was hammering Triple-A pitching to the tune of a .324 batting average and .912 OPS. He also hit well this spring with a .777 OPS in 17 games.