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A Trade Target for the Mariners From Each N.L. West Team

By Curtis Christianson

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 01: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on October 01, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - OCTOBER 01: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Angels at T-Mobile Park on October 01, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 16: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is handed his Rawlings glove and New Era cap during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JULY 16: Cody Bellinger #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers is handed his Rawlings glove and New Era cap during a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on July 16, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Dodgers Zack McKinstry

Zack McKinstry is one of the Dodgers many utility men on their big league roster and in their organization. He has spent a little time with the Dodgers the last two seasons. He played in four games last year in the shortened season, and then 60 games this year. McKinstry is a player in the same mold as Chris Taylor, he can play all over the field and gives the Dodgers lots of versatility, something Jerry Dipoto has been preaching of late.

For the Mariners to acquire Zack McKinstry, they would be doing so to have him be on the roster instead of a Jake Fraley, or whoever the fourth outfielder is, or take Dylan Moore’s spot. Last year he did have a smaller sample size than Moore, but he was better. McKinstry slashed .215/.263/.405. That is not the best stat line, but he did have a batting average nearly 40 points greater, a slightly lower on-base percentage, but a better slugging percentage compared to Moore.

For the Mariners to land Zack McKinstry, it would not have to cost a lot, especially if the Mariners were to send over a player in a similar position as McKinstry. That means the Mariners could trade someone who has not spent a ton of time in the big leagues but has flashed a little.

In this deal, the Mariners send Erik Swanson to the Dodgers. He is coming off of a fairly good year out of the bullpen. Both players have spent minimal time in the big leagues, and both have similar time left on their contracts. Swanson could be a nice addition for the Dodgers bullpen, as Swanson had a good 35.1 inning campaign in 2021. He had a 127 ERA+, which means he was 27 percent better than average.

Zack McKinstry provides the Mariners great value because he can play several positions of need He played third base, second base, left and right field last year for the Dodgers. Those positions could all use another player there. He is not a particularly great defender at any of those spots, but he will not kill the Mariners. The offensive potential is also there for McKinstry. He has a nice left-handed swing, looking like a combination of Brandon Crawford and Adam Frazier.

McKinstry would provide a good offensive and defensive potential. He would be a strong add for the Mariners and they should look into his availability. He could be a solid addition to the Mariners depth and offer a platoon option, with the potential for more in the future. The next target comes in the form of a straight-up one-for-one swap of well-known players.

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