Last offseason Willie Bloomquist returned to Seattle for a second stint with the Mariners, signing a two-year, $5.8 million deal that seemed like a clear over-pay for a 36-year-old, career-long utility man.
He hit like his usual self in a part-time role last season, posting a .643 OPS while missing time with a knee injury, but after batting .159 in 35 games this season the Mariners decided to cut bait. Bloomquist has been designated for assignment to make room for Chris Taylor’s return from Triple-A.
This is the 14th season in which Bloomquist has spent at least some time in the majors, which is amazing considering he’s a career .269 hitter with a .658 OPS who received more than 350 plate appearances just twice (2009, 2011) and never cracked a .750 OPS.
Given how well-liked Bloomquist seemed to be by both teammates and media members a career in coaching or broadcasting probably awaits him, but it’s possible he’ll try to latch on somewhere at Triple-A to keep playing.