Mariners Analysis: M’s to Upgrade Rotation?

With the trade deadline just days away, the Mariners will surely look to upgrade their current status as playoff pretenders to playoff contenders by adding to their underwhelming rotation.

One of the Mariners more vital needs is to bolster the rotation. All year long there have been concerns over consistency and health. Early on it looked as though Felix Hernandez was not himself- and of course he has just returned for injury- but Taijuan Walker filled in as the team’s ace for a brief moment, until his success tapered off. It then looked like Nate Karns could be a reliable starter, going through the entire month of May not allowing more than three runs in any start, but his flash of goodness would also dissipate. And with Wade Miley having the worst year of his career, the Mariners needed an answer from Hisashi Iwakuma, and the team hasn’t gotten any with consistency until recently. Scott Servais even desperately brought Mike Montgomery from the bullpen in order to create some order, but that too failed, and as we know he is now with the Chicago Cubs.

So this poses the question: To trade or not to trade? And if so, for who? Luckily for the M’s, many teams who are already virtually out of the playoff race are looking to unload talent for future pieces to build. Many pitchers on the market would be viable staples in the M’s future rotation, but here are three of the best potential options that can (and already have) caused damage around the league.

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