Mariners Need OF Help, Ben Gamel Out 4-6 weeks

A Few Trade Possibilities

Right now, there are but a few potential outfielders who are openly being shopped, and most of them seem to play for the Brewers.

The biggest name out of this group is likely Domingo Santana. Santana is an interesting player, and is coming off a fantastic 2017. He slashed .278/.371/.505 with 30 homers and 15 steals for the Brewers.

However, there are some massive warning signs surrounding the 25-year-old, chief among them is his career 31% K rate. Santana would also cost a pretty sizable trade package, and is a long-term player who could block Ben Gamel going forward. If the Mariners truly believe Ben Gamel is their “left fielder of the future” does it really make much sense to trade for Santana?

Another option from the Brewers might be Keon Broxton. Broxton has a major strike out problem too. In fact, his career 37.2% K rate is the worst in baseball. But, Broxton manage to go 20/20 in 2017, and has been a borderline elite centerfielder when healthy.

The 27-year-old does have 1 option remaining, so he makes more sense as a band-aid than Santana does, and at a significantly more palatable cost.

Finally, Eric Thames could make some sense too. He has a reasonable salary, provides left-handed pop to the lineup, plays both corner outfield and first base, and takes his fair share of walks. He isn’t an especially exciting player, and may just serve to block Gamel or Ryon Healy, and thus, isn’t a very likely option.

Next: Ian Miller Says He is Ready to Help Seattle

Other options will likely surface in the coming weeks. Colby Rasmus, Carlos Gonzales, and Michael Taylor might fit into what the Mariners want, and could all be available (or in Cargo’s case, is available) in a few weeks.

The Mariners have seen good things from youngsters Braden Bishop and Ian Miller, so perhaps the team can stay with its internal options. But one this is clear, the Mariners need Ben Gamel in 2018, and must find a way to survive until he comes back.