MLB Trade Rumors: Is Seattle Interested in Josh Willingham?

With the Minnesota Twins being seemingly out of contention in the American League Central they are looking to be sellers prior to the trade deadline. One good way for them to start their “selling” process would be to place veteran outfielder Josh Willingham on the trade market.

Willingham is currently in the last year of his 3-year, $21 million contract with the Twins. Having missed most of this season already due to his fractured wrist, he has been solid since his return with a .243/.396/.477 slash line and seven home runs in 35 games.

At the end of this season, he will be a free agent and there hasn’t been any indication whether or not he will stay in Minnesota. Before the deadline if he is indeed traded, it is highly likely it will be to another American League team so he can see some time as a designated hitter.

More from Mariners News

• 2023 Steamer Projections: Teoscar Hernandez could see a drop in Seattle
• Steamer Projections: Julio Rodriguez to enter rarified air in 2023
• What if the Mariners traded FOR Tyler O’Neill this time?
• Mariners starting pitching is being overlooked by MLB
• Baking the Cake: An Adjusted Mariners Offseason Plan

So far this season, Willingham is hitting .228 with seven home runs and 23 RBI, which is pretty good since he missed the first couple months of the season.

One team that possibly will be interested in Willingham will be the Seattle Mariners. Seattle could possibly use his bat as the designated hitter more than in the outfield, but they could very well use him there as well for depth.

Only two players currently on the Mariner’s roster have more home runs than Willingham (Seager and Zunino), and their designated hitter/first baseman, Corey Hart, is coming off the DL because of a strained left hamstring recently. In their current position, Seattle could use extra pop in the lineup especially at DH.

Even if he is traded to a National League team he can provide a quality bat to the lineup and play some outfield and first base. If it’s American League, expect Seattle to be fairly active in the pursuit for him. Guys that could potentially be moved for Willingham could be bullpen pitchers Brandon Maurer, or Charlie Furbush. The Twins will be looking for some bullpen help in return for Willingham and the Mariners have plenty to offer.