Seattle Mariners Could Enter Trade Market for Veteran IF

The Seattle Mariners are still looking for bullpen help. They are also looking for a middle infielder to help bridge the gap until J.P. Crawford is “ready’ to play in the big leagues every day.

We have already looked at several MIF options for the Mariners consideration. We profiled Freddy Galvis(here), Brad Miller(here), and Jose Iglesias(here). However, if GM Jerry Dipoto‘s history is any indicator, this acquisition could come from the trade market.

However, finding a shortstop on a rebuilding team that makes sense for Seattle is difficult. Ideally, the shortstop would provide some value as to not force the organizations’ hands in rushing Crawford, while still being young and good enough to use as a possible trade chip this summer or next winter.

As you may have guessed, these types of players do not exactly grow on trees. But perhaps we have pinpointed the perfect fit. That fit is Nick Ahmed of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Let’s run through the checklist. SS on a rebuilding team? Check. Multiple years of club control? Ahmed has 2 full seasons of club control remaining so, check. Good enough to hold down the position short-term and retain trade value in July? Check.

As for what the Mariners would actually be getting, Ahmed is a soon to be a 29-year-old shortstop. A premier defender at the position, Ahmed set a career high in HR, RBI, BB, and doubles in 2018 and was also awarded the Gold Glove for his defensive prowess.

Ahmed doesn’t get on base much, posting just a .234/.290/.411 slash line in 2018. However, Ahmed does flash useful power (16 HR in 564 PA’s) and is, of course, an excellent defender. Ahmed puts the ball in play slightly more than average in his career, and can take a walk, but put the ball on the ground far too often to produce more hits.

In 2018, Ahmed was able to lift the ball more, which may be a reason his power numbers increased, but he will likely never be more than a league average bat. But with the value he provides with the glove, a league average bat would make him into a borderline All-Star.

Nick Ahmed won’t be cheap, relatively speaking. He is coming off a 4.0 bWAR season but is also 29-years-old with just 2-years of club control and really a limited ceiling thanks to his hit tool. The Pittsburgh Pirates inquired earlier this winter, so other teams are likely to be interested as well.

The Mariners may be able to land Ahmed for one of the young relievers they are hoarding in the minor leagues. An Art Warren for Nick Ahmed type of deal that could benefit both teams. Of course, the Mariners could just as easily sign a free agent and keep their prospects as well.

Although there are some questions with Ahmed, he is absolutely the type of player Dipoto has repeatedly said they would like to bring in. And if the price is right, Dipoto shouldn’t hesitate to strike.