Mariners Trade Rumors: Say Goodbye to a Trade For Ben Zobrist or David Price

To be upfront, this is purely speculation and opinion on my part. No one can know for certain whether or not a deal will get done. But, as the deadline stands 4 days away, the likelihood of a deal slims.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Seattle Mariners have been going in opposite directions since the All-Star break. The Mariners have gone 3-6, while the Rays have gone 8-1. The Mariners have fallen to 1.5 games back in the Wild-Card race, while the Rays have surged and stand only 4.5 games back. The Rays are also only 7.5 games back in the AL East.

It is no stretch to think the Rays can compete in their division, in the Wild-Card, and make the playoff. If Joe Maddon and Co. think they can win, they aren’t going to sell two of their most valuable players, essentially ceding the season and giving up on the playoffs.

Since the height of those trade talks just a few weeks ago they have dwindled and dwindled as the Rays have surged. They are still a good team capable of making a run. And they are equally well aware that David Price can still be traded for a decent haul this offseason or before next season’s trade deadline.

I feel such news is polarizing for Mariners fan. There were some who desperately wanted Price and Ben Zobrist in the Mariners fold, providing offensive consistency and a second ace to make the best 1-2-3 punch in baseball this season. There were others who felt the Price would be too severe and detrimental to this organization, and are thus happy the trade talks have died down considerably.

As the Mariners keep losing the Mariners trade rumors have too quieted. This should be generally disquieting news for M’s fans. Because the team sits at 54-51, now on the outside looking in on the playoffs.

And it’s time for the Mariners to march to the post season once again. If they continue falling, and fail to make a trade, this organization will jade the masses of Mariners fans that have been won back over the course of the season.