Justin Smoak’s disappointing tenure in Seattle came to an official end Tuesday when the Toronto Blue Jays claimed the first baseman off waivers. It became evident by the end of the season that the Mariners were likely going to move on from Smoak, and their decision to put him on waivers to free up a spot on the 40-man roster made it even more clear he didn’t have a future with Seattle. The Blue Jays decide Smoak was worth a roster spot, so he won’t hit free agency.
Smoak came to Seattle with high expectations as the centerpiece to of the trade that sent Cliff Lee to the Texas Rangers. That trade also sent infielder Matt Lawson and pitchers Blake Beavan and Josh Lueke to Seattle, and reliever Mark Lowe to the Rangers.
Smoak made his Mariners debut in 2010, and in 496 games, hit just .226 with 66 home runs, 200 RBI, a .308 on-base percentage and a .384 slugging percentage.
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