Some Non-Free Agent Starting Pitchers the Mariners Should Inquire About

Sep 18, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(22) reacts in the dugout during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

At the moment,understandably, free agent rumors are flying around like balls in a batting cage, and one of those rumors has the Seattle Mariners linked to free agent starting pitcher Matt Garza.

It’s no secret that the M’s could use an established arm to fill out the back of a rotation that’s going to be anchored by young arms — and that plenty of free agent options exist that could satisfy this need.

But what if, after the free agent speculation dies down, or if the M’s spend big on a couple of bats, the club still hasn’t acquired one of the more attractive free agent staring pitchers?

Will they turn to the trade market?

Or will they try to stick with what they’ve got or sign a washed-up type like last season?

Well, who knows, and free agency is obviously the preferred route, but if they do consider entertaining the thought of a trade, here’s a few names (just a few there’s plenty out there) that come to my mind (and feel free to chime in if you’ve got better suggestions).