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Seattle Mariners: 5 Trades to Clear Payroll this Off-Season

By Christopher O'Day

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: The Seattle Mariners American League All-Stars pose during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 16: The Seattle Mariners American League All-Stars pose during Gatorade All-Star Workout Day at Nationals Park on July 16, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 12: Kyle Seager #15 of the Seattle Mariners looks on during the first inning of a game at against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Angel Stadium on July 12, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
ANAHEIM, CA – JULY 12: Kyle Seager #15 of the Seattle Mariners looks on during the first inning of a game at against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Angel Stadium on July 12, 2018 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

KYLE SEAGER

Kyle Seager had the most disappointing year of his career in 2018. His batting average plummeted down to .221. The defense took a hit too, as he finished the year with a dWAR of 0.0. Now likely isn’t the best time to trade Seager with his stock being down, but plenty of teams would still like to have him. The Mariners could easily find a trade partner to clear payroll this off-season.

The contract is a good deal if you are getting the Kyle Seager from 2014-2016. He averaged a .271 batting average, 27 home runs, and 90 RBI over that stretch. His contract sits at three years for $56 million, with a potential for a fourth year at around $15 million dollars. For a former Gold Glover with all-star numbers, $18 million a year is a good deal.

A trip to the National League East would be likely for Seager in a trade. The Phillies or Braves would be the two likely destinations. Maikel Franco came into his own a little bit during 2018, so the Phillies are likely to keep him around a bit longer, with a few years of arbitration control. Atlanta could move Johan Camargo back to his super-utility role. A trade to the Braves could look something like this.

Atlanta receives – 3B Kyle Seager

Seattle receives – OF Cristian Pache (19 years old, #6 prospect), LHP Tucker Davidson (22 years old, #24 prospect)

With a hole in the center, the Mariners could decide to keep Denard Span around for another year or two while Pache matures. Already an incredible defender, Pache shows a plus arm and plus speed and is still a teenager. Davidson is another in a long line of great Braves pitching prospects. Atlanta has a plethora of pitchers, and the Mariners could look to snag one in this trade.

In High A ball over 2018, Davidson struggled a bit, with an E.R.A. over four. He does show promise with his three pitches and would be a nice get for the Mariners, as he isn’t that far away from pitching in the majors.

Savings – $71 million over four years, $19 million in 2019

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