Seattle Mariners: A Possible Happ Reunion

J.A Happ may be a picture perfect fit with the 2018 Seattle Mariners. The current Toronto Blue Jays left-hander was a part of the 2015 club after being acquired from the Jays. The same scenario could take place three years later with the Mariners expected to contend.

The Seattle Mariners first acquired the lefty in a trade which sent Michael Saunders the other way. Unfortunately for the Seattle ball club, the Happ they had is not close to the player he is now. In the middle of that 2015 season, Happ was sent to the Pittsburgh Pirates, that’s where Happ revolutionized himself with the help of Ray Searage.

And after rejoining the Blue Jays for their 2016 magical ride, Happ is now indeed a quality top of the rotation starter. But with the Blue Jays struggles it is expected that he finds a new home.

Fills a need

The Mariners have one glaring hole, and that’s starting pitching. With Mike Leake and Felix Hernandez on rapid declines, and Marco Gonzales still being a question mark, the club needs some protection behind James Paxton.

Happ’s seven wins and 4.08 ERA would only enhance in a pitcher’s friendly park like Safeco Field. An 11.1 K/9 shows some projectable success when fitting him behind a quality defensive club.

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He is though a rental, but with their current contention now, it should not affect the clubs interest. And Happ’s familiarity with the city could only benefit his interest.

The Cost

With him being an upcoming free agent, the prospect caliber should not be ridiculous. But with the lack of starting pitchers on the market, the deal could call for a quality prospect in return. But the need is worth trading a future contributor.

Trading for Happ should allow them to still make more moves, including the possibility of trading for another reliever. A Happ reunion is affordable and beneficial.

Next: Mariners 10 Round MLB Mock Draft

A Happy Reunion

The Blue Jays are going in one direction with the Mariners looking to stay put in another direction. The player, the teams, and the cities match up perfectly.

A J.A Happ addition would make for a Happ(y) fanbase.