Mariners to move ballpark fences in next season

The Mariners will bring in the fences of their 13-year old ballpark next season. (Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images)

To bring more fans to the games and more pop from the bats of players, the Seattle Mariners announced that they will move the ballpark fences in for next season, the Seattle Times reports.

Some of the changes at Safeco Field include the left-field power alley decreasing from 390 feet to 378 feet.

The wall from left-center to center field will be moved in from four feet to 17 feet at different points. The distance in straightaway center field will be 401 feet, down from 405.

At Safeco Field, the Mariners entered last night at an OPS+ of 67, which is 33 percent below league average and one of the worst home performances in MLB history.

"Our goal was to create an environment that is fair for both hitters and pitchers," said Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said in a release. "Considering the current field dimensions as well as the climate in and around Safeco Field, we feel this will be accomplished with this new layout."