Power Rankings: Mariners Best Trade Fits for Haniger

Well if you’ve been paying any attention lately, this shouldn’t be a surprise. Arizona continues to line up as the best fit in Haniger trade talks. We know they are interested in Haniger. We know they are ready to compete after signing Madison Bumgarner, and we also know that they don’t have an unlimited barrell of cash to make it happen.

Arizona has a good farm system and the depth to make such a move, as well as several MLB pieces to make things interesting. In addition, the Diamondbacks have a competitive balance A draft pick, which you may see as a running theme in this list.

Arizona is trying to unload Robbie Ray and his projected $10 million salaries, a clear indication that Arizona is financially limited, making Haniger’s $3 million salaries for All-Star potential return all the more appealing.

We have covered this possibility extensively, including an attempt to build trade between the two sides, so the targets for both sides have been discussed. But in short, any of Arizona’s Top 3 OF prospects would be difficult to turn down, while names like Dalton Varsho and Jon Duplantier are more likely targets.

Robbie Ray could be involved as part of a 3-team deal, or as salary relief for Arizona, while Luke Weaver provides some upside and control for Seattle to consider. And again, Arizona has what is basically a tradable first-round pick to float as well.

We have no choice but to wait and see whether or not Mitch Haniger will ever suit up for the Seattle Mariners again. But the market is working exactly has it needed to in order to make a trade possible and the opportunity may never be better.

I’d still place the odds at 50-50, but that is up rather significantly from a month ago. We will continue to track the developments. But we are less than 100 days away from opening day, so things could happen quickly.