5 best landing spots for Yasiel Puig

The Seattle Mariners have the longest active postseason drought in all of Major League Baseball. The last time the Pacific Northwest’s Major League club played in October, it was on the heels of what was the best regular season team in the modern era in the 2001 Mariners.

Seattle has a shot at push for an American League Wild Card spot, as it will be tough for the Mariners to keep pace with the strong division rival Texas Rangers in the American League West. One way that the Mariners can conceivably get over the hump and end their 14-year postseason drought is by adding a power bat and outfield presence in Puig.

Although Safeco Field grossly favors pitchers, Puig’s offensive game doesn’t live or die by the long ball. He should be able to hit respectably in the middle of the Mariners lineup with guys like second baseman Robinson Cano and designated hitter Nelson Cruz.

Other areas of Puig’s game translates well to playing in Seattle. Hustling for a team franchise that has been in a decade plus malaise can only help. Playing great defense behind a strong pitching staff with the likes of ace Felix Hernandez seems like something Puig can certainly do.

It’s been 14 years since the Mariners have qualified for the American League postseason. In the  last three years the Kansas City Royals, the Baltimore Orioles, and the Toronto Blue Jays have all ended their decade plus postseason droughts. Gambling on picking up Puig via the waiver could be the spark that gets Seattle back into playing meaningful October baseball.

Next: 1. Miami Marlins.