Mariners can cast a wider net than others at trade deadline
Seattle's pitching depth could open the door for a trade with another contender, according to USA Today's Bob Nightengale.
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There’s an expectation that the Seattle Mariners and other teams looking to buy at this year’s trade deadline will be searching for upgrades in a thin market.
With many teams still within realistic striking distance of a playoff spot at the beginning of July, there aren’t a lot of squads ready to give up on their seasons. Even the 40-48 Baltimore Orioles recently declared they’re “going for it” in 2026.
The Mariners’ trade deadline approach hinges on one question
If anything, the market may not open until the final days leading up to the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
But perhaps the Mariners’ market won’t be limited to just looking to deal with teams who are in sell mode.
USA Today’s longtime MLB reporter Bob Nightengale shared why Seattle’s wealth of starting pitching could put it in position to strike a deal with another contender at this year’s trade with Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk on Wednesday.
“Certainly teams would love to have a starter. There’s a lot of contenders out there that need a starter,” Nightengale said. “So if the Mariners want to trade Luis Castillo or someone like that, there’ll be plenty of takers. Who knows? I mean, (it’s) a little unusual, but certainly it happens. The Mariners could trade a starter to another contender for a contender’s top reliever, that sort of thing.”
MLB.com recently listed the biggest need for every playoff contender. The following teams had starting pitching or just pitching in general listed as their top area to address: Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, Athletics, Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres.
“Everybody’s looking for pitching and the Mariners have an abundance of it, more starters than relievers obviously,” Nightengale said. “This is very possible (that) the Mariners could end up making trades with contenders. So, both teams are buying but helping each other in areas of need.”
Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player in this story. Listen to Brock and Salk weekdays from 6-10 a.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.
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Comments
2 Comments
The M's have to be careful not to blow up the clubhouse like they've done twice before under Dipoto. Trading a popular and valuable player is a pretty delicate issue, and that would be the case with Castillo.
The M's won't be moving anyone else on the starting staff, they are all young, exceptional, and have one or more years of control. Good pitching is really rare and like gold, so you only let it go for really high-quality return, and as far as anyone has said, there's nothing close to that out on the market.
And we must keep in mind that Victor Robles is already a right-handed bat that has been hurt but is starting to come around, so they are not absolutely without options. When healthy, he's a pretty darn good option.
They also have Brennen Davis in AAA who tore up Spring Training, was doing well in AAA, is a former #2 round pick, and is only 26...a right-handed bat with power, good defensive outfielder, good arm, good speed. And currently a bad hamstring with him sitting on the IL. If he comes back after the All-Star break and is performing, that's a strong right-hand bat option.
Given the above, the M's aren't likely to sell the farm for a good-not-great RH bat. But names like Ryan Bliss, # 18 prospect Brock Rodden, Leo Rivas,
#12 Korbyn Dickerson, #16 Michael Morales, #20 M. Perez might be in play.
Almost a sure thing is a trade for a mid-to-higher-level relief pitcher from non-contending teams who could pick up a couple of mid-level Seattle prospects.
The above being said, it would be a surprise to see any of Seattle's Top 8 or 9 Prospects go anywhere, they are all coming on strong with very promising long-term careers as major league players and possible All-Stars.
"So if the Mariners want to trade Luis Castillo or someone like that, there’ll be plenty of takers." They have been trying to trade him in deal with crawford and Kirby for two months. They have to eat Castillo's deal, but won't. btw, Castillo has the worst OPS Against with starters with more than five starts.