Mariners heading into December, more moves on the horizon

As we head into December, we have seen the Mariners make minor moves or add depth to their roster. That is all that has happened so far during the hot-stove league.

The Mariners have acquired two pitchers who will have a chance to make the starting rotation, a reliever for the bullpen, and an infielder to add depth to the 40-man roster early last week.

Jerry Dipoto said the Mariners would be going with youngsters in 2020 so I am sure many thought this would mean the trading of Dee Gordon, Domingo Santana, Mitch Haniger and possibly Omar Narvaez or Tom Murphy.

There was a word out the Mariners would trade Narvaez last week; however, it hasn’t materialized yet. The trade may happen this coming week during the post-Thanksgiving break. Though the rumors came out, the name of a team and players didn’t.

Going with youngsters I thought the trading of Dee Gordon would be the first one to happen but we haven’t heard anything. Shed Long should be one of the youngsters, along with Kyle Lewis, to get a lot of playing time this coming season.

If Gordon isn’t traded during this off-season, does this mean Long will play more outfield than anticipated? I expect Gordon would be the regular second baseman but Long would play on occasion in the outfield. He could play a little third base as well, giving Kyle Seager a rest once in a while unless Dipoto surprises us all by trading Kyle away.

How many major trades in December will we see? I expect most acquisitions will be more like the ones they made last week. They need to make a multi-player deal to take more players off the 40-man roster unless Dipoto signs players to minor league deals with an invitation to spring training.

I expect whatever happens December should be heated during this hot-stove season. We have to figure Dipoto won’t standstill. Go M’s.