On Thursday, the Mariners signed Alen Hanson to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring Training. Hanson gives the team some outfield depth for the spring in the wake of Mitch Haniger‘s setback, but also adds yet another player to watch compete for the 26th roster spot.
Hanson was once thought of as one of the premier prospects in the game. Scouts fully bought into his plus speed, line-drive swing, and athleticism. Many believed he could be a full-time second baseman with a profile similar to Chone Figgins (when he played for the Angels).