But it’s not just that we acquired them. It’s that they were a splash, a surprise splash at that. After four straight losing seasons, Cano was inked to a ten-year deal. And did he ever make an immediate impact? The 2014 Mariners were in the thick of the playoff race until the season’s final game and finally put together a winning season.
Almost exactly a year later, Nelson Cruz joined the Mariners on a four-year deal. For his entire tenure, Nellie was a true power presence. And he was one of the more clutch Mariners in recent memory as well.