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

MIKE LEAKE

Mike Leake has been a good steady pitcher for the Mariners since he got there. He has been a great innings eater, which is something Seattle needed. He has started 36 games for the team since they traded for him late in 2017, with a 4.09 E.R.A. Leake has done a commendable job filling a solid middle of the rotation role.

He is making quite a bit of money though and has shown stretches of being worth that salary. He is due $31 million over the next two years, with an $18 million mutual option in 2021. Leake isn’t likely to earn a haul similar to what Gordon or Segura could get, but he could still get a useful player back for the Mariners.

If Leake was to be involved in a trade, he would have to accept it, as he has a full no-trade clause. Taking that out of account for this article, there are definitely some teams that could use an innings eater with the potential for an E.R.A. in the mid threes. A trip down the coast seems likely, as most of the teams in California need pitching. Seattle wouldn’t be likely to trade him in the division to Oakland, so San Francisco becomes the team of choice.

San Francisco receives – RHP Mike Leake

Seattle receives – RHP Juan De Paula (21 years old, #18 prospect)

The Giants have a glut of right-handed pitchers in their minor league system. Melvin Adon, Jake Wong, or Jordan Johnson; among others, could take the place of De Paula in a trade. Seattle should go for De Paula though. He looks to have room to grow still and gain speed and movement on his fastball. If he does, he could turn into a number two or three in the rotation.

Savings – $31 million over two years, $49 million over three years if option is agreed to, $16 million in 2019