Sodo Mojo’s Seattle Mariners Twitter Mailbag

Another Marco for Tyler Swap?

So two hypotheticals that require an advanced knowledge of multiple farm systems and positional needs that is way outside my realm of “expertise”. But hey, if Jon Heyman can spout off non-sense about something he doesn’t understand, so can I.

I guess to look at his as objectively as possible, we should be looking at the Mariners greatest area of strength versus their greatest area of need. In my opinion, outfield remains the deepest position for the Mariners, and starting pitching remains the greatest need.

I know we are all flying high on the starting rotation in Arkansas, but let’s just think about this critically. The Mariners have 2 rotation spots locked in for 2020 (barring trade), Marco Gonzales and Yusei Kikuchi. Most Mariners fans would likely tell you that by 2021, they would want Justin Dunn, Justus Sheffield, and Logan Gilbert in that rotation as well.

And it could happen. Heck, that could be the case by June of 2020. But it is also just as likely that one of those 3 will not be a successful starter. Or even 2. Both Sheffield and Dunn need sharper third pitches or they could end up in the bullpen (both as high-leverage options mind you).

If that is the case, the Mariners will need more options to start games. And since we don’t know how they’ll attack free agent pitching this off-season, or if Kikuchi will be any good either, adding multiple starters is ideal.

So back to the trade. For me, the two most likely outfield prospects to be traded who could fetch a Marco Gonzales like return are Kyle Lewis and Braden Bishop. Both of these prospects could net you a high floor, low ceiling starting pitcher. But in an attempt to finally answer your question, here is the flawed proposal I offer up to you: Kyle Lewis to the New York Mets for LHP David Peterson.