Mariners Almost Had Mark Trumbo In Michael Saunders Trade

According to multiple reports, including a story in the Toronto Sun, the Seattle Mariners almost acquired Mark Trumbo from the Arizona Diamondbacks in what what amounted to be a three-team trade that fell through.

Prior to the Mariners trading Michael Saunders to Toronto for LHP J.A. Happ, the Blue Jays had contacted the Diamondbacks about SP Wade Miley and Trumbo.

The Blue Jays wanted Miley, but wanted Saunders from Seattle. Trumbo would have been the piece going to Seattle. What Arizona wanted specifically is not known, just that they wanted “young pitching” in return.

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I doubt the Diamondbacks would have seriously asked for Taijuan Walker in a deal like this. If anything, they may have asked for Roenis Elias from Seattle and someone from Toronto. So the question remains: Why did the deal fall through? And more importantly: Can Trumbo still be had?

It makes sense to think that Trumbo is still on the block. Despite his struggles in 2014 – Trumbo appeared in only 88 games this past season for the Diamondbacks because of a stress fracture in his left foot that held him to a .235/.293/.415 slash line with 14 home runs and 61 RBI – he is still a valuable right-handed slugger.

For his career, Trumbo is a .244 hitter and has averaged 32 HR and 102 RBI a year. He was an All-Star in 2012 while with the Angels. He’s arbitration eligible this year and won’t hit free agency until 2017.

Could a deal still be struck by Trader Jack for Trumbo?

Perhaps something simple like Elias and a bullpen piece, or a bullpen piece and a minor league starter. Maybe Happ for Trumbo straight up?

Now that the Mariners are out of the Justin Upton and Matt Kemp trade talks, a trade for Trumbo becomes a distinct possibility. Even if a deal isn’t made during the Winter Meetings, this is one we will keep an eye on.

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