Michael Saunders: What Can The Mariners Get In Return?

Sep 26, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers center fielder Andre Ethier (16) scores a run against the Colorado Rockies during the game at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

By now, you have all heard the news. The Seattle Mariners are reportedly looking to shop Michael Saunders at this week’s GM meetings. And according to Chris Cotillo of SB Nation, the teams to watch are the Blue Jays, Reds, Dodgers, Tigers, Orioles, Mets, Athletics, Rangers, Angels, Rays and Phillies.

Perhaps it would have been easier to list who wouldn’t be interested in Saunders. Of course, the question remains: Why aren’t the Mariners interested in Saunders? There has been a falling out. Jack Zduriencik called him out early this offseason, calling his durability into question.

It’s a fair question to have, considering Saunders has played in only 78 games in 2014 and has been injured several other times in his career.

But now, it’s time to look to life in Safeco without Condor. So, what could the Mariners get in return for Saunders? Let’s take a look at some of the teams that Cotillo listed and see who might be available in a one-for-one swap (given that multi-player deals get complicated and you never know what will happen) using the help of fellow FanSided bloggers.

Disclaimer- Some multi-player deals are tossed around. These are all the speculation of fellow FanSided bloggers and are not based on information provided to us by a single source. Just opinions based on the needs of each organization. Enjoy.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The Mariners have been linked to rumors for Matt Kemp for the past season-plus. This is because the Dodgers have a surplus of Major League outfielders. So why would the team be interested in adding another?

Matt Borelli at Lasorda’sLair.com suggests that Andre Ethier could be offered up as a “change of scenery” move, benefiting both players.

Ethier had a down year in 2014 (.249/.322/.370) a far cry from his career numbers (.285/.359/.462). Perhaps Ethier would benefit from regular playing time and regular at-bats in a lineup featuring Kyle Seager, Robinson Cano and whatever RH free agent bat the M’s pick up.

Borelli suggest that the trade is viable and that the Dodgers could even eat some of the remaining money on Ethier’s contract. He is signed through 2017 with a vesting option for 2018. The price? Another four years at $71 million.

Depending on how much money the Dodgers were asked to eat, the price would more than likely need to be more than just Saunders. The M’s would more than likely be asked to throw in a bullpen piece (perhaps Charlie Furbush or Tom Wilhelmsen) as well.