Seattle Mariners could get crazy with 3-team trade proposal

The Teams

Yes, the Seattle Mariners are getting involved in the Mookie Betts sweepstakes, just not in the way you’re probably hoping. No, Seattle is not acquiring Betts, as, despite his obvious talent, it just doesn’t make sense for Seattle.

Betts is one year away from free agency and has shown no indication that he will sign an extension. The Mariners are at least 2 Betts level players away from competing, so giving up valuable assets for one year of Betts is a non-starter.

In addition, Betts is projected to earn roughly $28 million in arbitration and while Seattle can easily afford that, it would all be for not. But you know who can afford that price tag AND may be willing to take the one-year rental route? The Los Angeles Dodgers.

These 3 teams are a good match because each one has something the other needs/wants:

• The Red Sox have the superstar they are willing to trade and a self-imposed need to clear payroll.
• The Dodgers have the payroll flexibility and prospects needed to get a deal done.
• The Mariners have the Betts’ replacement to help Boston stay in a playoff position.

The Red Sox may be moving Mookie Betts, but they are in no way going to tear the whole thing down, meaning they’ll need MLB contributors to replace Mookie, but they’ll need to be cheap. Mitch Haniger is a 4-6 win player who is only scheduled to make about $3 million in 2020, saving the Red Sox $24 million in the process.

Now with the Dodgers and Red Sox split the cost of acquiring Haniger, a deal may be easier to find. But what would such a deal look like? Let’s take a look.