The Seattle Mariners are calling up Nick Franklin and this comes as trade rumors have popped up again regarding the young star, as teams like the Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers and NY Yankees could be in the mix for the prospect and this comes as Dan Uggla is likely getting traded and Stephen Drew remains unsigned as a free agent after getting a qualifying offer last offseason.
The Mariners are in a bind right now regarding injuries and that is why Franklin was called up from Triple A and while a trade could be in the cards eventually, right now it is not a priority for the M's. Franklin was also called up because he is tearing it up in the Pacific Coast League while leading in hitting for the Tacoma Rainers and he should get some playing time with Corey Hart injured and Brad Miller struggling on offense hard for the Mariners.
Franklin was already called up once during the season and while he started off hitting well, he slumped towards the end and eventually was sent back down. The team needs him again with the injury to Hart, which could be serious since it's a hamstring and those take time to heal. The Mariners have gotten some nice play from Hart and he has shown power despite having surgery on both knees over the past couple years and he has been relatively healthy for the team so far this season. Franklin will play an important part for the Mariners as they try to get by with the injury and with the way Miller has been hitting, Franklin could be the better option.
The Boston Red Sox and Atlanta Braves are looking to improve their infield and Franklin could be an option if the teams are willing to give up pitching. The Mariners love Franklin and his offense, but the team doesn't really have a place for him now with Robinson Cano at second base and Miller the likely shortstop of the future. Dustin Ackley now plays in the outfield so that means a trade could still be in the cards. The Red Sox haven't had the production they have wanted from Xander Bogaerts and with Will Middlebrooks injured they could make a move.
Franklin has the flexibility to play shortstop, second base and possibly third if needed and the Red Sox could move Bogaerts to third for the time being after his season struggles. The Tigers lost Jose Iglesias and they have been playing well despite that, but they were once interested in Franklin and they also could look at signing Stephen Drew. Franklin has been killing the ball lately and while a trade may not come for a little while, he is hitting for a .376 average and has seven home runs and 26 RBIs in 30 games while Miller has been struggling hard this season for the Mariners.
