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Seattle Mariners: Predicting 2019 Destinations of 6 M’s Players

By Ty Gonzalez

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 11: Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after getting the final out in the top of the ninth inning, but having given up the go ahead run at Safeco Field on September 11, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The San Diego Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 2-1. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 11: Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners walks off the field after getting the final out in the top of the ninth inning, but having given up the go ahead run at Safeco Field on September 11, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The San Diego Padres beat the Seattle Mariners 2-1. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /
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RHP MIKE LEAKE

SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 17: Mike Leake #8 of the Seattle Mariners walks back to the dugout after pitching in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on June 17, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA – JUNE 17: Mike Leake #8 of the Seattle Mariners walks back to the dugout after pitching in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on June 17, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

It’s hard to imagine Mike Leake making another pitch in the navy and teal (or sometimes blue and gold). Though the Mariners are getting a nice annual discount of $6 million from the Cardinals, the 31-year-old righty doesn’t make a whole lot of sense for the M’s current disposition. It’s no mystery Leake is currently being shopped, and could be moved as soon as this week. Along with the aforementioned Padres rumors, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic has also reported that Seattle has seemingly given Leake a few options in terms of destinations.

Of course, any deal would involve Leake waiving the no-trade clause in his current contract. Considering that Leake has often favored opportunities to win in the past, it would be extremely surprising if he did not sign off on a trade that landed him on a team with playoff or World Series aspirations. While San Diego isn’t necessarily the best destination for him to win, Leake was born in the city and a move there would also bring him closer to his home in Arizona.

Leake has never – and will never – be a sexy option on any market. But he’s a solid starter with a high floor and the ceiling of a tertiary option in most rotations. He’s one of the more reliable starting pitchers in the MLB, consistently pushing 200 innings each and every season and doing it at a sub-4.00 FIP most years. He should warrant a decent package this Winter, though pairing him with someone like Jean Segura may be the best option.

Possible destinations: Padres, Angels, Astros, Brewers, Rangers

Prediction: Padres

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