The deal helps the Padres clear their outfield logjam.
The Mariners have acquired outfielder Seth Smith from the Padres in exchange for right-handed pitcher Brandon Maurer, as first reported by ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick. Shannon Drayer of 710AM ESPN first reported earlier in the deal that the deal was close.
Smith, 32, signed a two-year extension with the Padres over the summer but was forced out of his job due to the Padres' additions of Justin Upton, Wil Myers and Matt Kemp this offseason. San Diego still has Carlos Quentin, Cameron Maybin, Rymer Liriano, Will Venable and Abraham Almonte as backup outfielders, making more trades likely once the deal involving Smith is finalized.
In 136 games for the Padres last season, Smith hit .266/.367/.440 with twelve home runs and 48 RBI. He will likely serve as a platoon partner with fellow new acquisition Justin Ruggiano in right field for the Mariners and is expected to see action against right-handers.
The Padres have been on the lookout for bullpen help this offseason, as evidenced by their additions of Shawn Kelley and Maurer over the last two days. Maurer is known as a power arm who has not harnessed all of his potential in the majors, as he has struggled to a 6-12 record and 5.58 ERA in 60 games (21 starts) with Seattle to start his career. The 24-year old was the Mariners' 23rd round pick in the 2008 draft, and was ranked as highly as the organization's sixth-best prospect by Baseball America following the 2012 season.