Sodo Mojo's Mariners Q&A: Trades, Drafts, and More Trades

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TORONTO, ON – MAY 8: James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners is congratulated by teammates Jean Segura #2, Mike Zunino #3 and Kyle Seager #15 after throwing a no-hitter during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

A few days ago, we sent out the bat signal to ask for questions from Mariners, and today we will answer those questions. A lot of you are interested in talking trade, so let’s just get started.

For question #1, we have Mariners fan who just cannot comprehend the off-season plan for Seattle, and frankly, I don’t either.

So what we have are two separate questions. So let’s answer them one at a time. First, why did the Mariners not spend the money they would on Harvey on other pitchers in the off-season? A fair question, and one I can’t answer.

It is worth noting, the Mets are reportedly willing to eat most of the $4.5 million salary for the 2018 season in order to improve their return. So for the Mariners, this might mean only spending $1 million or so on Harvey. If a pitcher of Harvey’s talent was a free agent, he would get more than that on principle. So financially, adding Harvey wouldn’t have cost the Mariners anything.

As for Hisashi Iwakuma, the expectation for him should be zero pitches thrown in 2018. It’s sad, but any plan that requires Kuma to throw a single pitch with the big team is a bad plan. After making good progress early in his rehab, he had a set back in a simulated game after just a few pitches.

He is scheduled to try again in a few days, so the outcome of that sim game will be critical. Even if all goes well and he doesn’t suffer any setbacks along the way, he will need at least 4-6 weeks of rehab starts before he rejoins the team. At the earliest, we are looking at July 1st for Kuma.

Question 2: Quality Starting Pitching

When will we finally trade for a quality starting pitcher? That really seems to be the missing piece for this 2018 team, I know Dipoto says we're good, but it's really apparent we need another starter....
— Andyman516 (@Andyman516) May 7, 2018

Well, without knowing where you draw the line at “quality”, I would expect Dipoto to be active this July. Whether or not that is as a seller or buyer, may very well be determined in the next 40 games.

If by “quality” you mean another Mike Leake type, that might be doable this summer. The Mariners would have to eat more salary to do it, but I would say it is a strong possibility. IF you are hoping to see them add this summer’s Justin Verlander, you will be severely disappointed.

I agree that the Mariners need to get better, and would like to do so in the rotation. However, depending on the available names this summer, the Mariners could go in another direction. Upgrading in LF, the bench and bullpen could end up being cheaper than 1 starting arm.

Pitching is expensive mid-season, but with 10-15 teams already bombing the 2018 season, there may be enough names available to help the Mariners out. Many will clamor for Chris Archer but a guy like Dan Straily is much more realistic.

Question 3: What About the Draft?

Our third question is related to the second, but with a different twist.

Which players between Evan White and Kyle Lewis Mariners can replace for reliable starting pitching help in the upcoming MLB Draft in order for the team to snap long playoff drought? Pompey or Swaggerty could replace Lewis or Jenista replacing White.
— Miranda Symeier 🦢 🎃 (@miranda_symeier) May 7, 2018

The question seems to be which top Mariners prospect is most replaceable. Before we dive into that, let’s make 1 thing very clear: No MLB team Drafts for Need. The Mariners are no more likely to draft a first baseman if they traded Evan White than if they didn’t. Teams cannot accurately predict what they’ll need in 2019, let alone 2022 when most of these guys might actually be ready.

To answer your question specifically, this MLB Draft Class is pretty loaded with OF talent. The Mariners will have plenty to choose from at pick 14. Personally, I would probably rather shop Kyle Lewis. I think he can get you more than White, and his inability to stay healthy is worrisome. Also, a lot of the Mariners positional depth is in the outfield, so that’s where I would go.

If you are looking for specific names, Travis Swaggerty seems like a perfect fit for what Jerry Dipoto claims to covet. A plus athlete with a good approach at the plate who is developing some power.

If the Mariners go the prep player route, Jarred Kelenic, Connor Scott, and Nick Schnell are 3 names to watch.

Question 4: What About the Trade Deadline

So many questions we got revolve around the Mariners being aggressive buyers at the deadline. I love the attitude. Our 4th question does the same:

Max Carter If it’s not too late: The Mariners will clearly be a contender for top starting pitching if they are still in the hunt come mid-June or so. With that in mind, what do you see as their most valuable and moveable trade bait?

It is an interesting question. I wrote about the 5 most valuable trade pieces a while back, but if the team is buying, none of them is the answer to your question. The Mariners farm system is pretty thin, so major additions like Chris Archer are probably out of the question.

Obviously, the big names like Kyle Lewis and Evan White could net you a pretty good player. But a “dark horse” name to watch is Julio Rodriguez. MLB Pipeline’s #4 Mariners prospect, scouts love both the makeup and upside of Rodriguez. At just 17-years-old, Rodriguez is easy to dream on, and several GM’s would love to get their hands on his talent.

Sam Carlson has a relatively high floor and could be a fast moving guy. He will have value as well. In terms of trades, you may see the Mariners try to package some of their relievers and AAAA starter types to add to the bullpen and bench as well.

Of course, until we know what happens in the draft, and who is actually buying and selling, I can’t give you an accurate answer.

Question 5: Ichiro or Randy Johnson

SEATTLE, WA – MARCH 29: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners waits for a pitch from starting pitcher Corey Kluber #28 of the Cleveland Indians during the third inning of a game at Safeco Field on March 29, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

Our final question also comes from Facebook:

Dave Hill Quick one for you if you still have room – Do the Mariners retire 51 for Ichiro, Randy Johnson, or both?

The correct answer is both. Randy Johnson might be the best LHP in MLB history. He was a pain at the end of his Mariners career, but stop being stupid Seattle. If Johnson isn’t objecting, it should have been done years ago.

However, I am assuming they will reserve it for Ichiro. If not, they would have retired Johnson’s number already. Both absolutely should be up their with Edgar, Griffey and Jackie Robinson, but at the end of the day, I’m guessing only Ichiro will be.

Bonus Question #6: Mike Zunino

TORONTO, ON – MAY 8: Mike Zunino #3 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning during MLB game action against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre on May 8, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Finally, we have a question about Mike Zunino:

Anna Johnson Is Mike Zunino good?

Yes. Yes, he is. As always, thanks for the questions guys! If you want to send us questions for a future article, hit us up on Twitter @sodomojoFS or on Facebook (Sodo Mojo). Thanks again and Go, Mariners!

Next: Thank You Ichiro

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Sodo Mojo’s Mariners Q&A: Trades, Drafts, and More Trades