Seattle Mariners Should Target These 4 Players in Trade

Cesar Hernandez, Utility, Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies have been rumored to be shopping both Cesar Hernandez and Freddy Galvis, in an attempt to hand their middle infield jobs to youngsters Scott Kingery and J.P. Crawford. Unlike the Marlins, the Phillies do not need to shed salary. In fact, they need to add salary. So in this scenario, Seattle will need to win a good old-fashioned bidding war.

Hernandez is just 27 years old, and would provide a massive upgrade over current Mariners Utility Man, Taylor Motter. Hernandez is primarily a second baseman, and would need some time in spring training to learn how to roam the outfield. He is a very good athlete, and does have some big league experience in the outfield.

The biggest problem concerning the Mariners ability to trade for Hernandez is Hernandez himself. The youngster still has 3 years of club control, and has a combined 7.6 fWAR over the last 2 seasons.

Hernandez is a good base-runner with a plus on-base tool. While it might seem silly to spend significant resources on a utility man, it is not difficult to find 400 PA for Hernandez. 15-20 games at the 4 infield positions, plus another 20 games in the corner outfield spots gives you 400 PA. Hernandez is also excellent insurance for a Robinson Cano or Jean Segura DL trip, both true possibilities.

Proposal: Erasmo Ramirez,Chris Torres and Max Povse for Cesar Hernandez