5 Mariners most likely to be traded before Opening Day 2021

Number 4: Mitch Haniger

This will depend on Haniger’s health and productivity if there is a 2020 season. But if Haniger makes it back to 100% this season and can play in even 50 games with numbers on par to his 2018 version, teams will be interested.

With Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, Kyle Lewis, Jake Fraley, and Braden Bishop in the fold, Haniger could very well get squeezed out, especially if Seattle finally gets an offer they like for Haniger. But that depends on his medicals and performance this year, so who knows?

It is within the realm of possibility that Haniger either can’t get back to 100% or prove himself this season and if that were the case, the Mariners would likely bring him back for 2021. It’s also possible that Haniger does get back to his 2018 self, the Mariners shop him this winter and don’t find a price they like and bring him back.

Of all the players on the current (projected) roster, Haniger carries the most difficult to pinpoint the future with Seattle. The club loves him and has repeatedly said they want him to be a major piece of the transition. We also know they have engaged in trade discussions each of the past 2 winters.

For all we know, Haniger will sign an extension tomorrow and we will have to adapt our outfield projections. Or maybe he plays out the string with the Mariners and leaves via free agency? There are a lot of different directions the tenure of Haniger in Seattle can go. But right now, the most likely course is that he is traded, so he finds his way into the Top 5 of our list.