M’s trade Ackley to Yankees in 3-player deal

MINNEAPOLIS — The clock ran out Thursday in Seattle on outfielder Dustin Ackley, once regarded as a cornerstone in the Mariners’ rebuilding effort.

The Mariners traded Ackley, the No. 2 pick in the 2009 draft, to the New York Yankees for two minor-league players: outfielder Ramon Flores and right-handed pitcher Jose Ramirez.

“It’s crazy,” Ackley said. “I guess you don’t have a clue of what’s going on until stuff happens. It’s kind of a big surprise, but you see this all the time with guys. I’m excited for what the future has to hold.

“It’s going to be fun.”

Ackley’s role shifted this season to platoon duty, and he is batting just .215 with six homers and 19 RBI in 85 games. He has a .243/.306/.366 slash (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) over five seasons.

“I have nothing but good memories here,” Ackley said. “I’ve had some struggles, and I’ve had some good times. Ultimately, when I look back on it, it’s going to be all positive.”

The Mariners’ tentative plan is for Flores and Ramirez to report to Triple-A Tacoma and for first baseman/designated hitter Jesus Montero to be recalled from the Rainiers to replace Ackley, 27, on the 25-man roster.

Officially, a corresponding move to replace Ackley will be announced prior to Friday’s game against the Twins. The Mariners played Thursday with just 24 players on their active roster.

General manager Jack Zduriencik said further moves are possible prior to the non-waiver trade deadline at 1 p.m. Pacific time on Friday.

“We have a lot of discussions going on,” he acknowledged. “There’s always a lot of dialogue with everyone at this time. You never know where any (of those discussions) are going to go.

“There are clubs out there that have interest in some of our players, but that doesn’t mean anything is absolutely going to happen.”

Flores, 23, made his big-league debut earlier this season — and batted .219 in 12 games — but spent most of the season at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he is batting .286 with seven homers and 34 RBI in 73 games.

A Venezuelan native, Flores has a .272 career average in seven pro seasons. He was ranked by Baseball America as the Yankees’ No. 27 prospect prior to the season.

Ramirez, 25, has also spent most of the season at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, where he is 3-0 with 10 saves and a 2.90 ERA in 32 games. He is averaging 10.15 strikeouts per nine innings.

He made 11 big-league appearances over the last two years. A Dominican native, he is 32-32 with a 3.60 ERA in 146 minor-league games, including 96 starts, over eight pro seasons.

“These are pieces,” Zduriencik said, “that could very well help your club either immediately or in the near future. As we all know, Dustin was relegated to a platoon situation or a backup role.”

Ackley is moving up in the standings. The Mariners, prior to Thursday, were 10 games under .500, while the Yankees were leading their division by six games.

“They’ve been playing really well,” he said. “We see them on TV all the time. What they’ve been doing is pretty special. To be part of that will be something pretty cool.”

One difference though: The Yankees have a no facial hair policy.

“I think that’s written in stone,” he said. “I think you’ll see me in a little bit, and I’ll be a different-looking guy.”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.