Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto acquired speedy two-time All-Star Dee Gordon from the Miami Marlins on Thursday, but the international slot money that came along with Gordon might end up being more significant.
That money -- reportedly $1 million -- might help push the M's over the top in their pursuit of two-way Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani.
In return, Seattle shipped minor leaguers Robert Dugger, Nick Neidert and Christopher Torres to Miami.
Primarily a second baseman throughout his seven-year major league career, the 29-year-old Gordon will play in the outfield in Seattle.
"His first step, his acceleration is as good as anyone in the league," Dipoto said in a conference call with reporters after the trade.