Will this be the year the Seattle Mariners swing another big deal at the trade deadline?
Why Seattle Mariners are well-positioned to make big trade
With where the Mariners currently sit and how the results have unfolded on the field in recent weeks, the Mariners seem destined to be in the market for multiple additions before the July 31 trade deadline.
Where exactly do the M’s need to upgrade most? Here’s a ranking of the five positions Seattle has its biggest needs at.
1. First base
The Mariners went into the season relying on a platoon of Rowdy Tellez and Donovan Solano at first base. Tellez has had his moments as the left-handed side of the platoon, slugging nine home runs. But the M’s are still 25th in MLB in with a 82 wRC+ at first base and rank in the bottom 10 in the league in just about every category from the position.
Prospect Tyler Locklear remains as a possibility to come up and help fill this role, but Seattle seems like the contender that will be most aggressive on the first base market come July.
2. Second base/third base
The Mariners’ youth movement has started at second base with Cole Young and third base with Ben Williamson. Both spots still remain ones that could be upgraded before the deadline, though. Young has the best chance of changing this conversation, and there should be some more clarity as to whether or not he is the answer at second for the rest of the season by the All-Star break. Williamson has provided strong defense at the hot corner, but his .277 on-base percentage and lack power are contributing to the offensive issues.
Ideally, the M’s would acquire someone who could man either position while providing at least a league average bat.
3. Relief pitcher
Between Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash and Gabe Speier, the Mariners have a formidable backend of the bullpen. But the rest of the unit has been shaky throughout the season, and the club could use at least one – and likely two – more arms to solidify the group. Bullpen arms are among the easier pieces to acquire at the deadline, but Seattle can’t afford another whiff like Yimi Garcia last year.
4. Corner outfield
Some help should be on its way here somewhat soon as Luke Raley is expected to start a rehab assignment soon, but that shouldn’t stop the Mariners from testing the corner outfield market. If the M’s were to acquire a corner outfield bat, Raley could also help the first base situation. What happens with Leody Taveras over the next month factors in here as well.
5. Designated Hitter
Jorge Polanco is in the midst of a month-long slump, which has made designated hitter start to become a need for the team. However, acquiring a bat at any of the non-pitching positions listed above could free up others to rotate in at DH. With the way the roster is currently constructed, a DH-only type could handcuff in-game decision making. But if a bat like Atlanta’s Marcell Ozuna becomes available, it would be worth checking in on.
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