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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 EDWIN DÍAZ

SEATTLE, WA – SEPTEMBER 11: Edwin Diaz #39 of the Seattle Mariners reacts to getting the final out of the top of the ninth inning after giving up the go ahead run to the San Diego Padres 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 reacts to getting the final out of the top of the ninth inning after giving up the go ahead run to the San Diego Padres 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) /

Oh boy, here’s the toughest one of all. I should start by saying that I believe the Mariners should absolutely trade Edwin Díaz this offseason, but I don’t think they will. Coming off a dominant 57-save season in 2018, Díaz’s value will never be higher and Seattle can ill-afford to ignore the opportunity that has now presented itself to them. Despite all his success, carrying a closer through any rebuild, short or long, is not a smart decision, no matter who it is.

At just 24-years-old, Díaz has established himself as the best reliever and baseball. He’s a Mariner, for now, and that’s great, but he shouldn’t be. Seattle is rebuilding, even for just a year or two, and Díaz has no business being a part of that. Relievers come and go all the time, especially closers. Even if Díaz’s production remains the same over the next several years, his value will take a dip as the affordable years start to roll off his rookie deal.

Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman, and Brad Hand landed amazing returns for the teams that traded them. Díaz is flat-out better than all three at the time of their respective trades, and comes with a significantly better contract situation as well. Jerry Dipoto has stated that he would need to be “blown away” to part with Díaz and that’s exactly the right stance to take in this situation. Díaz absolutely warrants a massive package, and I think one will be offered to Seattle at some point this Winter. If so, they should absolutely take it without hesitation.

There are only a handful of teams that can realistically afford such a package, however, so be on the lookout for any organization that poses a “superfarm” of sorts, or has an excess of young, controllable MLB-ready talent. Of course, such teams also have to be in a win-now mode, because nothing is more win-now than buying high on a closer.

Possible destinations: Braves, White Sox, Dodgers, Phillies, Rays

Prediction: Mariners

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