Predicting Where 5 Seattle Mariners Trade Chips Will Land

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JUNE 22: Domingo Santana #16 celebrates after scoring off an RBI double by Daniel Vogelbach #20 of the Seattle Mariners in the first inning during their game at T-Mobile Park on June 22, 2019, in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

Domingo Santana is a fascinating case to watch this July. On the positive note, he is slashing .277/.343/.484 with 19 home runs and 64 RBI. He is just 26-years-old and isn’t a free agent until after 2021.

On the downside, the defense has been atrocious. Like, historically bad. The switch to RF hasn’t helped as many had hoped. The defensive problems are odd. Santana was never a gold glove outfielder, but he was simply better than he has shown. Getting to the bottom of his defensive problems will play into Santana’s value.

In addition to the defense, Santana leads the AL in strikeouts. While not as big of an issue in 2019 as it has been in the past, it nevertheless is a point against him. Overall, the bat will outweigh all these concerns as a 30 home run, above-average hit tool isn’t easy to find in-season, especially with 3 years of club control.

Seattle can keep Santana if they please, but his defense doesn’t fit the Mariners mold and with Jake Fraley, Braden Bishop, Mitch Haniger, Kyle Lewis, and Mallex Smith all in the organization, now could be the best time to trade Santana.

In all likelihood, the return for Santana will have the biggest impact return of all potential trades, so finding the right deal is critical for Dipoto and company.

Possible Destinations: Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, Chicago Cubs, Cleveland, Oakland, Colorado, Philadelphia, Arizona

Final Destination: Cleveland

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