Seattle Mariners Rumors: Two NL Teams Interested in Edwin Diaz

We are in the midst of a long off-season and the Mariners trade talk is as hot as ever. Today, we take a quick look at a rumor that surfaced late Sunday afternoon involving everybody’s favorite closer.

For weeks, there has been an argument amongst fans of the Seattle Mariners. The argument originates from 1 simple question: should they trade Edwin Diaz. Those thinking strictly with their heart have said no. Those using their head has said yes.

It has long been the opinion of this writer that the Mariners SHOULD trade Edwin Diaz, but ultimately won’t. And for most of the early hot stove chatter, that appears to be the most likely scenario. Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto has made it known that he will listen on everybody but has repeatedly singled out three players who “we would need to be blown away” to move. Those 3 names are Marco Gonzales, Mitch Haniger, and of course, Edwin Diaz.

However, this statement hasn’t stopped teams from asking Dipoto about Diaz. Jon Morosi dropped this tweet late Sunday afternoon:

The singling out of two specific teams is interesting, but not necessarily indicative of anything. Every team in the game could use Edwin Diaz, and most will likely inquire about his cost to acquire.

The fact that both teams mentioned are in the NL East is also interesting but again, may not mean anything. In terms of talent to acquire Diaz, both of these teams would, in theory, have enough to acquire him.

The Braves make a good deal of sense and have perhaps the best farm system in baseball to make it happen. The Phillies have a nice farm system, and could probably put together a bid that gets Dipoto thinking.

At the end of the day, it is still unlikely Dipoto trades Diaz this winter. But teams will most certainly call, and Jerry has all the leverage in the world to get a deal he likes for Diaz. Will it happen? Probably not. But could it? The possibility seems to be growing each day.