The Seattle Mariners signed top free agent, second baseman Robinson Cano, to a 10-year $240 million contract.  Cano’s new deal brings a lot to the struggling Mariners such as veteran presence, a solid middle infielder, and a threat at the plate, but just how much does this affect the division as a whole?

The Mariners have some very good pitching in Felix Hernandez and Hisashi Iwakuma, but haven’t had a lineup to accompany some strong starting pitching.  Cano adds a big name to the lineup and had much success in New York with the Yankees, but in New York he was surrounded with talent and had protection in a stacked lineup.

Last year, Cano batted .314 with 27 homeruns and 107 RBI for the injury-prone Yankees.  While the Yankees missed most of their big hitters last year, Cano still had big names alongside him in the starting lineup; something he won’t have in Seattle.

There’s no doubting the talent of Robinson Cano.  He’s a MLB superstar with an ongoing resume consisting of awards and honors such as; five All Star Game appearances, five Silver Slugger Awards, and two Gold Gloves. However, the Cano signing isn’t enough to make the Seattle Mariners a winning team, and he will see a decline in his statistics this season with this ball club.

Besides improving their lineup, by signing Robinson Cano, the Mariners will undoubtedly fill some seats for the 2014 season and greatly boost a struggling attendance at Safeco Field.

While there have been many rumors surrounding the Mariners and potential trades and signings, it’s been rather quiet after the Cano acquisition.

The Oakland A’s, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and Texas Rangers continue to make moves to improve their teams and stay one step ahead of everyone else.  The Houston Astros have even made some moves this offseason.

While the Cano signing has some AL West pitchers worried, the Mariners aren’t a vastly improved team.  They still have some moves to make to turn them into a serious contender in the AL West.  Cano adds some pop to a struggling lineup, but he is an easily avoidable hitter for pitchers to face being on this club.

If the M’s are able to bring in a few more guys, especially those they are rumored to be in talks with and/or for, then they become a viable threat, but until then, this signing has minimal impact on the AL West.