Seattle Mariners Reacquire Infielder Austin Shenton from the Tampa Bay Rays

The Seattle Mariners have reacquired infielder Austin Shenton from the Tampa Bay Rays, confirming the transaction on Wednesday. The move involves sending cash considerations to the Rays in exchange for Shenton, marking the player’s return to his original team.

«We are thrilled to welcome Austin back to Seattle,» said Jerry Dipoto, Mariners General Manager, in a public statement. «His versatile defensive skills and consistent performance have always been of great value to us.»

To accommodate Shenton on the 40-man roster, the Mariners have designated right-handed pitcher Matt Festa for assignment. This indicates a strategic roster adjustment as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Originally drafted by the Mariners in 2019, Shenton advanced rapidly through Seattle’s minor league system. In 120 games at four different levels, he posted a batting average of .299, along with 46 doubles and 19 home runs, achieving a .940 on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). Shenton showed versatility in the field, predominantly at third base but also first base, second base, and both outfield corners.

Shenton was initially traded to the Rays in 2021, just ahead of the trade deadline, in a deal that involved right-handed reliever JT Chargois moving in the opposite direction. Incidentally, Jacob Chargois returned to the Mariners this past summer after brief stints away from the team.

Shenton’s time with the Rays was hindered by injuries in 2021 and 2022, limiting his playtime. However, after a robust 2023 season marked by a 1.006 OPS over 134 games between Double-A and Triple-A, he was added to the Rays’ 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

While the precise role Shenton will fill remains undetermined, his ability to cover multiple infield and outfield positions offers the Mariners increased flexibility in their lineup.