Seattle Mariners: Jerry Dipoto’s 5 Best Trades

25 Feb 2000: Jerry Dipoto #45 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during Spring Training Photo Day in Tucson, Arizona.
25 Feb 2000: Jerry Dipoto #45 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during Spring Training Photo Day in Tucson, Arizona.
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NOVEMBER 24, 2016: ACQUIRED SS JEAN SEGURA AND OF MITCH HANIGER FROM ARIZONA

SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 29: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his two run home run as he jogs back to the dugout in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field on June 29, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 29: Mitch Haniger #17 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates his two run home run as he jogs back to the dugout in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Safeco Field on June 29, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)

Taijuan Walker was often regarded as the future of the Mariners organization, and while he never reached his ace potential in Seattle, he showed flashes of being a serviceable starter who could blossom into a star. Rumors would come ago about Walker being shopped around, potentially in a package to acquire an All-Star or two. He was even packaged in a deal to Arizona for Justin Upton, which was ultimately vetoed by the latter.

So when the Diamondbacks finally got Walker, it felt a bit overdue and that maybe the M’s had potentially missed their shot on getting an organization-defining superstar for the young pitcher. Even though they were getting back the defending National League batting champion in Jean Segura, the shortstop’s history of mediocre play in Milwaukee gave Seattle’s fanbase a bit of anxiety about his strong potential of regression.

When being interviewed about this trade, Jerry Dipoto constantly reminded the press and the public not to overlook the acquisition of Mitch Haniger. Now that the 2018 season has concluded, Haniger has perhaps surpassed Segura for the most valuable player of this deal. Haniger has seemingly come out of nowhere, providing MVP-level production out of the team’s right field position.

Both players were selected to the 2018 American League All-Star team, with Segura delivering a clutch three-run homer. Meanwhile, Walker has unfortunately fallen victim to Tommy John surgery and Ketel Marte has been an above-average utility infielder for the Diamondbacks. While both Marte and Walker still have some potential, this deal is still so lopsided in the Mariners’ favor that it’s not even funny.

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