Seattle Mariners: 5 Best Trade Spots for Outfielder Mitch Haniger

The Seattle Mariners have moved a lot of players in their quest for a quick rebuild. But the one player who may have the most value is still in Seattle. So today, we look at the 5 best destinations for Mitch Haniger.

Amongst the player already traded by Mariners GM, Jerry Dipoto are the likes of Mike Zunino, James Paxton, Edwin Diaz, and Robinson Cano. However, Mitch Haniger is still hanging around. Dipoto has been adamant that Haniger will likely start the year with the team unless he is “blown away” by an offer.

We also know that the Mariners have been presented with several offers, but Dipoto has publicly stated that none of the offers came close. Publicly, everything Dipoto has said sure makes it sound like Haniger will be on the team when Seattle heads to Tokyo in March. But he said similar things about Diaz and, well… he is in New York.

The real question is whether or no Dipoto’s posturing about Haniger is just that. Is it just GM speak trying to jack up the market on Haniger? Or is he really untouchable? Obviously, there are merits on both side of the coin, but it is tough to believe that JERRY DIPOTO doesn’t want to trade Mitch Haniger.

Well today, we prepare for worst… or best depending on how you look at things. Today, we look at the 5 best trade fits for the 28-year-old outfielder.

1. Atlanta Braves

Long rumored to be the most interested team, the Atlanta Braves always have, and still remain, the most obvious fit for a Haniger trade. Dipoto has stated they would need 2 premier prospects, including a pitcher, and 2 or three other pieces to move Haniger. We wrote about the potential trade comparison Dipoto is likely working from, and it falls in line with this public statement.

The Atlanta Braves have the capability to make such an offer, all without completely gutting their farm system. With Nick Markakis a free agent, and with a young core who is in the early stages of their contention window, everything points to the Braves as being the team most likely to make a competitive offer for Haniger’s services.

But thus far, the Braves have yet to make an offer that has met the Mariners high asking price. Earlier, we speculated on a package that would meet or exceed Dipoto’s price point. We believe the Braves are one of the few teams that have actually brought an offer to the Mariners but have been told it was not enough.

But the fact remains, Atlanta has exactly the type of players Dipoto wants, the depth to give it up, and perfect alignment with Haniger’s club control and their contention window. The Braves make the most sense.