The Mariners Shortstop to the Mets is A Rumor Once Again

At the trade deadline in 2014 the Mariners traded shortstop/second baseman Nick Franklin to the Tampa Bay Rays to get Austin Jackson from the Detroit Tigers in a three-way deal.

This offseason, the Mariners have two young shortstops: Brad Miller and Chris Young. The Mariners have also been linked to shortstop free agent Hanley Ramirez, though he would likely switch positions.

So, what gives?

According to Adam Rubin at ESPNNework.com, the Mets may once again be interested in getting their hands on a young Mariners shortstop. From Rubin:

"Watch the Seattle Mariners as a potential trade partner for the Mets as the Amazin’s search for a shortstop, multiple insiders told ESPNNewYork.com."

It’s unclear which shortstop the Mets would want, and which shortstop the Mariners would want to trade. Though, some in and around New York say they like Brad Miller best. And on the flip side, who would the Mariners be looking for in return?

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That return piece could very well be 1B/OF Lucas Duda. In his 5th season at the Major League level the 28-year old had his best year, clubbing 30 home runs with a .253/.349/.481 triple slash line. He was worth 3.7 WAR in 2014, a far cry from what the Mariners got from their corner outfielders and first basemen in 2014. But it seems like the Mets would be slow to part with someone who seems to be on the upswing.

There’s an impression the Mets would be looking to trade starting pitchers Dillon Gee or Rafael Montero. They could also trade youngster catcher  Kevin Plawecki. I think the Mariners would want Gee, as he has more experience and could be a 5th starter or long reliever until someone got hurt.

If the Mariners made a trade, it would have to include a signing of someone like Hanley Ramirez. That would allow the M’s to have some sort of experience at shortstop even if Hanley is very poor defensively.

It’s unclear if any deal will materialize, as nothing came to fruition last season. But if a deal were made, the Mariners would likely have to send the shortstop and another minor prospect to the Big Apple.

Unless the Mets are offering someone other than Gee and Montero, this may not be the best deal for the M’s right now. Both