Mariners Reacquire Infielder Austin Shenton from Rays

In a bid to strengthen their infield depth, the Seattle Mariners have reacquired infielder Austin Shenton from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, confirmed by both teams, involves Seattle sending cash considerations to Tampa Bay in exchange for Shenton. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Mariners have designated right-handed pitcher JT Chargois for assignment.

Austin Shenton, 25, started his professional baseball career with the Mariners, who selected him in the 2019 draft. A versatile defender, Shenton quickly advanced through the minor league ranks, impressing with his consistent hitting. In 120 games across four levels, he posted a .299 batting average, with 46 doubles and 19 home runs, resulting in a .940 OPS. While primarily a third baseman, Shenton has also played at first base, second base, and both corner outfield spots, showcasing his flexibility.

Ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, the Mariners traded Shenton to the Rays in exchange for right-handed reliever Diego Castillo. Interestingly, the other player Seattle sent to Tampa Bay in that trade was JT Chargois. After brief stints with the Rays and Marlins, Chargois returned to the Mariners this past summer. However, injuries limited Shenton's playing time in the Rays' system in 2021 and 2022. Despite these setbacks, Shenton had a strong 2023 season, achieving a 1.006 OPS over 134 games between Double-A and Triple-A. His impressive performance led to his addition to the Rays' 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.

JT Chargois, who finds himself designated for assignment, has had a journeyman career with multiple teams, including the Mariners, Rays, and Marlins. His return to Seattle last summer was short-lived, and he now faces an uncertain future as the Mariners make room for their newly reacquired infielder.

​This trade highlights the Mariners' commitment to bolstering their roster with versatile and productive players. Fans will be eager to see how Shenton's return to the organization impacts the team's performance in the upcoming season. With Shenton's proven track record in the minors, he brings valuable depth and flexibility to the Mariners' infield and overall lineup.