However, while these types of deals aren’t overly exciting, they can provide some good organizational depth, open up playing time on the Mariners big league roster, and do occasionally net teams MLB contributors.
The interesting thing about Tim Beckham is that Jerry Dipoto doesn’t have to trade him. While Beckham did sign a 1-year, $1.75 million deal, he won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2020 season.
So Seattle can keep Beckham around for dirt cheap next year or non-tender him a contract allowing him to become a free agent. This flexibility does help the value of Beckham some, as the acquiring team is basically acquiring a cheap rental with the option to extend him for 2020 at what will be less than $3 million.