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5 Young Players the Seattle Mariners Can Add Via Trade

By Curtis Christianson

MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Sixto Sanchez #73 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park on September 18, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 18: Sixto Sanchez #73 of the Miami Marlins delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Marlins Park on September 18, 2020 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Drew Waters, Atlanta Braves OF

DENVER, CO – JULY 11: Drew Waters #11 of National League Futures Team bats against the American League Futures Team during a game at Coors Field on July 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – JULY 11: Drew Waters #11 of National League Futures Team bats against the American League Futures Team during a game at Coors Field on July 11, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.(Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Drew Waters was one of the higher thought of prospects back before the pandemic started. He had a great 2019 season, putting up great numbers in over 100 games at AA and then continuing to show he was ascending in AAA in a small sample. He then missed all of 2020 and he struggled a bit in 2021 in AAA. He slashed .240/.329/.381 in 404 plate appearances for the AAA Braves affiliate.

Waters is a switch hitter who can play all three outfield spots, especially center field. He is probably not going to play center field in Atlanta because Christian Pache is a phenomenal defender. Waters is still a 60-grade defender according to MLB Pipeline. They did not give Waters a grade lower than average. Both MLB Pipeline and Prospects Live see him as a slightly better than average hitter for average with average power.

Both see him as having both an above-average arm and speed. Prospects Live has him as just an average defender, but if he is average at worst, especially as a center fielder, the Mariners could certainly use him. An outfield with the future potential to have Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, and Drew Waters could be one of the best in baseball. They could bring him in this winter with the potential for him to be the center fielder from day one.

Drew Waters gives the Mariners a true center fielder that can impact them for the future and the now, but he would still cost a fair amount. The Mariners would have to give up impact future players for him. With all of these players, Harry Ford could be an interesting option as a one-for-one swap, if the Mariners want to win immediately. Trading Ford for someone of similar caliber that is farther along could benefit the Mariners.

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