What 3B being Mariners’ top trade need says about rookie Williamson

Jul 24, 2025, 9:15 AM | Updated: 10:19 am

Seattle Sports

The Seattle Mariners are closing in on a pivotal trade deadline amid their window of contention.

After just missing the playoffs the past two years, the M’s find themselves holding the American League’s second wild card berth and within striking distance of the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West as the deadline is just a week away.

Seattle Mariners ‘hungry to make a deal,’ and reports are pointing to Suárez

The corner infield spots stand out as two areas the Mariners could use offensive upgrades at as they look to bolster an inconsistent group that has had shining moments like its 35-run performance in a three-game sweep of the Tigers before the All-Star break, but has also had lows like the 23-inning stretch with only one run scored entering Wednesday’s series finale with the Brewers.

When it comes to first and third base, which is the most pressing need for the Mariners? Yahoo Sports writer and host of the Baseball Bar-B-Cast podcast Jordan Shusterman shared why he believes third base is the answer during a conversation with Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy.

“I think third base still makes more sense,” Shusterman said. “I think that for as totally understandably proud as the team is of Ben Williamson’s contributions this season, I think going and getting a (Eugenio) Suárez or another third baseman, especially in the short-term, is not saying that Ben Williamson stinks and he’s never gonna play a role in his team.

“It’s just an acknowledgement that this lineup still could use another big bat, and that is a position that would be easier to replace.”

A ‘more natural fit’

Williamson made his MLB debut this season after having just 14 games and 60 plate appearances above Double-A. His terrific defense at the hot corner has earned plenty of praise from the coaching staff throughout the year.

Williamson leads AL third basemen with eight defensive runs saved and sits in front of some of the game’s best defenders at his position, including 10-time Gold Glover winner Nolan Arenado and five-time Gold Glove winner Matt Chapman.

However, Williamson’s production level at the plate is well below league average despite a respectable .262 batting average entering Wednesday. He has just 13 extra-base hits, including only one home run, in 271 plate appearances. That’s the least extra-base hits among 30 third basemen with at least 250 plate appearances, and his .618 OPS is better than only two others.

“It would be no shame to send Ben Williamson back to Triple-A when he’s barely played there,” Shusterman said. “I think what he’s been able to do is really impressive.”

Looking at first

The Mariners have also had their share of struggles at first base this season. They moved on from spring training standout Rowdy Tellez and haven’t gotten much outside of one red-hot week from veteran free agent signing Donovan Solano.

But the Mariners still have Luke Raley, who missed nearly two months with an oblique injury, as an option at first. And with Dominic Canzone putting together his best stretch in the majors while also being a left-handed hitter, there’s limited reps for Raley in right field.

“I think that they should be creative in any way that they can add offense. I think that they should be doing that and they shouldn’t be limiting themselves,” Shusterman said. “But I just think that like third base is a much more natural fit, and it is not a referendum on Ben Williamson never having a future on this team or in the big leagues.

“… Even though it’s been a little clunky defensively (at first base), I still do believe in Raley, and obviously Canzone’s really been pretty impressive (with) what he’s been able to do in right. So, Raley still fitting in there at first and DH I think is still ultimately a pretty solid option, whereas third base you’re just not getting a lot of offense right now.”

Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Tune in to Bump and Stacy weekdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.