3 Spring Training Trade Targets for Seattle Mariners

Jesus Aguilar, 1B Milwaukee Brewers

Much like Blake Swihart, there is a pretty big asterisk next to this possibility. IF Ryon Healy is truly ready by Opening Day ( or there abouts), Jesus Aguilar doesn’t make a lot of sense. But after the Brewers went all in this offseason (take note Jerry), there simply isn’t any room for all of the Brewers OF and 1B.

They may look to shop Eric Thames. However, they would be better served to hold onto him, less something happens to their outfield. Aguilar can only handle first base, and is out of Minor League options. So why with the likes of Mike Ford and Dan Vogelbach in camp, would the Mariners consider adding Aguilar.

He is better than both of the other guys? In 2017, he slashed .265/.331/.505 in 311 PA with 16 homers. Good, and honestly, pretty Ryon Healy like. Give Aguilar 500 PA’s, and he hits 20-25 HR’s.

Aguilar is only as valuable to the Mariners as long as Healy, or God forbid Nelson Cruz, are hurt. Aguilar is particularly good against LHP, slashing .301/.365/.524 against them, good for a 127 wRC+.

Graded as a poor defender, Aguilar still provides value as a platoon mate for Vogelbach or Ford in the event Healy suffers a set back. Carrying 2 first baseman is not ideal, though Aguilar holds his own against RHP, slashing .244/.311/.494 with a 104 wRC+ against them.

Healy appears to be on schedule after his surgery to remove bone spurs in his hand. The likelihood of the Mariners needing Aguilar are slim, but he will be available should the necessity rise.

Next: Robinson Cano Worth Every Penny

The Mariners are still not good enough to be taken seriously as a wild card contender. Most projections have them as an 80-82 win team. While none of these additions put them over the top, they could push the team closer to achieving its stated goal.