Dipoto likes athletic mix in Mariners’ outfield

SEATTLE — While the Mariners again will feature a core of proven veterans built around Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Felix Hernandez and Kyle Seager next year, general manager Jerry Dipoto is taking a different approach in the outfield, where his team will be considerably younger and more athletic.

Though it’s wise to never say never with Dipoto when it comes to making further moves, the Mariners’ architect of change insists he’s set now with an outfield that will see newcomer Mitch Haniger and 2016 additions Ben Gamel and Guillermo Heredia competing for playing time in the corner spots, flanking returner Leonys Martin in center.

The left-handed-hitting Gamel, acquired from the Yankees last August, will likely be given a shot at winning the everyday job in left field, which was held last year by Norichika Aoki. Haniger — a right-hander acquired from the D-backs in the Taijuan Walker trade — figures to be in a platoon mix with southpaw-swinging Seth Smith in right field.

Cruz and new first baseman Danny Valencia are also capable of playing right field, but the athletic Heredia — signed out of Cuba as a free agent last spring — is more in the mold of what the Mariners are looking for as a consistent backup in the corners.

“We really like our depth and potential for impact and feel good about where we are with our outfield,” Dipoto said. “It’s a nice, young athletic group of plus defenders who all have an interesting skill set. Some with power, some with speed, some with …

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