Proposed Mariners trade sees Seattle land $12 million All-Star, could help repair team chemistry with Randy Arozarena originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Seattle Mariners are still feeling the fallout of Handshake-gate, as they are 3-4 and are in fourth place in the AL West. If the chemistry continues to not be there, they need to make a move to shake things up.
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FanSided’s Austin Owens had a proposal that saw the Mariners work with the Tampa Bay Rays once again for their All-Star and Silver Slugger, Yandy Diaz. While this wouldn’t be the main purpose for the trade, it would work to appease Randy Arozarena, one of the main victims of the WBC drama.
“After multiple decades of missing the postseason, Seattle Mariners fans have proved they deserve meaningful games in October. The crowds last season at T-Mobile Park were absolutely electric, and the organization should be aggressively pursuing anyone who could take their team to the next level after falling just short in the ALCS. That starts with an offense that could still use some work; one name to watch come trade season is Yandy Diaz of the Tampa Bay Rays…This deal would also make Seattle’s offense one of the most dangerous in the American League, especially at the top,” Owens wrote.
So far this season, Diaz is slashing .429/.448/.679/1.127 with a MLB-leading 12 hits, two of which were home runs, and an AL-leading eight RBI. His hitting would be invaluable in the Mariners’ lineup, as they tend to favor power over contact, and Diaz brings both.
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Diaz’s contract is also very cost-effective, as well. The 34-year-old is set to make $12 million this season, and has a $10 million conditional club option for next season. All he has to do is reach 500 plate appearances, and the club option can be exercised.
Hopefully, for the sake of the Mariners’ chemistry and to add some consistency to their lineup, they get Diaz earlier than the trade deadline.
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