Mariners middle infielder Nick Franklin could be on the trading block, the Seattle Times has speculated. He lost his starting second base job upon the offseason signing of free agent Robinson Cano.
Franklin, who expressed excitement over the signing because he could learn from Cano, added that he will not play that position. He will compete with Brad Miller for the starting job at shortstop. He could also be sent to Triple-A Tacoma or traded.
His lack of productivity helped pave the way for Cano. Franklin batted just .225 last year in 369 at-bats, though he did slug 12 home runs and 20 doubles with 45 RBI.