Nick Franklin trade rumors: Orioles now interested in Mariners IF

The Baltimore Orioles are now among the teams interested in Mariners infielder Nick Franklin, according to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman.

The 23-year-old second baseman and shortstop has already drawn interest fro, the Mets and Rays this offseason, and Seattle has something of a surplus in the infield after signing Robinson Cano earlier this winter.

Seattle could choose to deal Franklin and use Brad Miller as their everyday shortstop.

The Mets are currently evaluating him as a shortstop, though according to Heyman, "second base might be Franklin's best position."

Tampa Bay has Yunel Escobar locked in at shortstop for at least one more season, and they traded for Logan Forsythe in January, however, Franklin represents a better long-term option for their infield.

Baltimore's heir apparent at short is clearly Manny Machado -- though they might continue using him at third if they are able to extend J.J. Hardy. The team's current crop of second baseman -- Jonathan Schoop, Alexi Casilla, Ryan Flaherty, and Jemile Weeks -- is a variegated group. Schoop is hitting well this spring, but Franklin is projected as a better overall player.

The O's have a few pitching prospects they could dangle in order to get Seattle's attention -- most likely Eduardo Rodriguez, who the Mets asked the team for in exchange for Ike Davis earlier this offseason. Baltimore balked at including him in that deal, so they might not be willing to include him in a deal for Franklin either, despite their divergent values.