A Professionals Trade Proposal for the Mariners and Justin Upton

Jim Bowden made five separate trade proposals on ESPN Insider for Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Upton. His name has come up in trade talks constantly this offseason, but the Braves want more for one year of the slugger than they’re likely to receive.

When the Mariners first talked to the Braves about Upton, the Braves pushed hard to get either James Paxton or Taijuan Walker in the deal. The Mariners, reticent to give up one of those arms, did not pull the trigger on any sort of deal.

But, as the free agent market has thinned and a number of big name trades have been made for outfielders, the Braves may be more willing to lower their price for Justin Upton.

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In his report, Bowden talks about the deal Mariner GM Jack Zduriencik agreed to back when Upton played for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In that deal, the Mariners included Taijuan Walker for Justin Upton. But that was two years ago when the DBacks had 3 more years of team control for the young slugger. The Mariners were on Upton’s no-trade list, though, and inevitably the deal was cancelled.

But this offseason the Braves have been suggesting they’re not quite ready to compete for a Word Championship in 2015. In fact, many playfully speculate that their aim is to revamp and reload in preparation for a big run in 2017 when they move into their new ballpark.

At this rate, Justin Upton won’t be in that equation. And with 1 year and $14.5 million left on his contract, now is the time to deal the right field slugger.

The Mariners are interested, and a deal that makes everyone happy could still come through as long as the Braves stop asking for Walker or Paxton.

Aug 15, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Seattle Mariners pitching coach

Rick Waits

(47) talks to catcher

Mike Zunino

(left) and starting pitcher James Paxton (right) during the game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

In Jim Bowden’s trade proposal, the Mariners send shortstop and second base prospect Ketel Marte and pitching prospect Edwin Diaz to the Braves for Justin Upton.

Diaz, a 20 year old pitching prospect who hasn’t thrown above A-ball yet, has a lot of right-handed potential.

Marte, 21, has already put service time in at the Triple-A level and could see Major League work at the end of 2015 or the beginning of the 2016 season. He is a Minor League .285/.324/.361 hitter who has totaled 80 stolen bases in 376 minor league games. He could invariably replace the DFA’d Dan Uggla at second base, and provide young, cost controlled speed for the Braves.

The Mariners, of course, would receive Justin Upton, 27, who last year hit .270/.342/.491 with 29 home runs and 102 RBI in 154 games. He did strike out 171 times while walking only 60 times, but his .833 OPS would be a welcome change of pace in the Mariners outfield.

If the Braves were willing to agree to the deal Jim Bowden proposed on ESPN Insider, I would hope the Mariners front office pulls the trigger immediately. Marte could be an everyday player in this league, but his future with the Mariners is handcuffed by Robinson Cano, Chris Taylor, and Brad Miller playing up the middle of the diamond. And as Edwin Diaz hasn’t made it past A-ball yet, his ceiling is high but it may yet collapse.

The Mariners need proven, dependable hitting in right field if they want the 2015 World Series to be a distinct possibility. The team is already built to make a run towards and into the playoffs, but adding Justin Upton to the outfield would send the team over the top, especially if the Mariners don’t have to sacrifice a single Major League ready player to get him.

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