Here’s where Mariners stand with Trade Deadline approaching as they prepared for another signing
SEATTLE — On the heels of a disappointing road trip that ended on a high note, the Mariners came away from their East Coast trek with perhaps more questions than answers, at least about how they’ll approach the July 30 Trade Deadline.
Will the Mariners be buyers, sellers or a little of both?
They’ll be firm buyers, rather than a mix of both, as they were in 2023 and ’21, when their additions also involved subtractions to the Major League roster (à la the Kendall Graveman and Paul Sewald trades). Yet, the Mariners will navigate what’s shaping up to be an extreme sellers’ market.
In the National League, all teams but the Marlins and Rockies are within 4 1/2 games of a playoff spot, which could delay the market’s movement and lead to sky-high asking prices. The American League is more top-heavy, but some teams that could sell may not take that approach — because of organizational philosophy (like the Astros and, to a lesser extent, the Blue Jays) — or due to their history of not doing business within the division (like the Angels and the A’s).
How can they upgrade the offense?
It depends on who the Mariners acquire, but the only spots locked long-term are their three foundational players — center fielder Julio Rodríguez, shortstop J.P. Crawford and catcher Cal Raleigh.
First base and the corner-outfield spots appear to be the clearest avenues if the Mariners get aggressive on the aircraft carriers — going after guys like Luis Robert Jr., Pete Alonso and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. — though it’s still wildly unclear if those players will be available, especially Guerrero, who would be the best fit.
The same could be said for Christian Walker, whose D-backs are flirting with an NL Wild Card spot, and many of the Rays players that would be good fits (Isaac Paredes, Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena). The Giants’ LaMonte Wade Jr. would fill a left-handed-hitting void.
Seattle could upgrade at third base and move Josh Rojas to second. Or, it could upgrade at second and move on from Jorge Polanco. The Angels’ Luis Rengifo would be a strong fit, but Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has never executed a trade with his former team.
It’s a legitimate question in the wake of Bryan Woo’s latest injury, and Bryce Miller’s pronounced struggles on the road.
The Mariners are one injury to Luis Castillo, George Kirby or Logan Gilbert away from a precarious spot. Starting pitching is lower on the totem pole than their other needs, but it’s on their minds.
