Power Ranking Seattle Mariners Top 5 Trade Chips for MLB Trade Deadline

3. Yusei Kikuchi

No, I don’t think the Mariners will trade Kikuchi. That doesn’t mean he isn’t one of the 3 most valuable trade chips on the big league roster, so he is on this list. Kikuchi has gotten off to a great start in his first 9 starts in the big leagues, posting a 3.53 FIP and a 1.06 WHIP.

Now, these numbers are a bit misleading thanks to his last 3(including his one inning outing) starts in which he has gone 15.2 innings and allowed just 2 runs, but he has flashed legitimate #2 stuff all season.

Think about the first 9 starts of his career. He made his MLB debut in his home country of Japan in Ichiro’s final game, made his home debut against the defending world champs after his father passed, made his first career road start, battled through outings without his good stuff, and shut down two playoff teams. The poise alone is something to marvel at.

Kikuchi has shown 3 plus-pitches for an extended period this season and a changeup that has potential as well. He is young (27), being paid below market value, and has an extremely team-friendly contract structure.

With legitimate number 2 upside and a potential 7-years of club control, Kikuchi would get more than a few nibbles if Dipoto threw him onto the market. In fact, he could be the best arm available this summer.

But of course, there is no reason for that in 2019. The Mariners see Kikuchi as part of their future and his extreme team-friendly contract makes him a great fit for Seattle as the build for 2021. It is fun to think about what Kikuchi could net the Mariners and he would have tremendous value on the market.

But for the Mariners, it makes little sense to trade him, so don’t spend too much time thinking about it.