Seattle Mariners: Sodo Mojo’s 2019 Off-Season Plan

TRADE: LHP PAUL FRY

Look away fans of the large adult son. Yes, as difficult as it is to stomach (no pun intended), the Mariners simply have to move on from Daniel Vogelbach. They have almost religiously refused to give him regular PAs at the big league level, and now he is out of options. If he doesn’t make the club out of spring training (which is unlikely with Cano, Healy, and Martinez all ahead of him), he would need to clear waivers before being sent back down.

It is nearly impossible to fathom he clears. With very little leverage to make a trade happen and even fewer teams who make sense for Vogelbach, the return may seem a bit underwhelming. But truth be told, Paul Fry was really good for a bad Orioles team in 2018.

Fry posted a 3.11 FIP in 37.2 innings, striking out nearly a batter an inning in the process. In addition, Fry has been a groundball machine, posting an incredible 57.7% groundball rate in his MLB debut.

Although a left-handed reliever, Fry was actually better against RHH than LHH. He is an arm you can play matchup with, or give a full inning. Pairing Fry and Miller gives the Mariners a nice duo of left-handed relievers who induce groundballs.

Fry also has all 3 options remaining, and like Vogelbach, has 6 years of club control. The Orioles had some of the worst production in baseball out of the first base spot, and are in an obvious state of rebuilding. To land a potential DH and 6th inning reliever for Fry is likely the best the Orioles can hope for.

By now, I am sure you’re asking; “where is the starting pitching”? Well, we have finally arrived at our starting pitching addition.