Mariners: A Trade Target From Each A.L. Central Team

The Seattle Mariners had a nice start to the offseason by adding Robbie Ray and Adam Frazier to the squad. They will need to make some more additions as soon as the lockout is over, and there are some options in the American League central that could improve the M’s going forward. The team needs to add another starting pitcher, a third baseman, and it would be ideal to add an outfielder. The first trade target in the A.L. Central division comes from the Chicago White Sox.

Chicago White Sox – OF Adam Engel

Adam Engel is a speed and defense center fielder for the White Sox, and he could be the exact person for Seattle in center field. Engel is one of the fastest players in the game today, 98th in sprint speed. He also is an above-average defender in center field, with 7 defensive runs saved in just 40 games in 2021. Engel’s season was derailed by injuries, limiting his playing time. He has only played one full season in his career, but some numbers suggest he may have figured it out.

Engel has played fewer than 40 games each of the past two seasons but has been an above-average offensive player in those two shortened seasons. He posted a 121 and 127 wRC+ in the last two years, by far the best of his career. He had been below league average before these years, but he could be emerging with his bat as he is now 30 years old.

Adam Engel could fit perfectly for the Mariners because he could be the club’s center fielder and if, eventually, they feel comfortable with Jarred Kelenic in center field, then he can be one of the best fourth outfielders in recent M’s history. Engel plays all three outfield spots well, has great speed, and has an upside for improving offensively. Even if he is a part-time player, he would be a much better fit than Jake Fraley in the Seattle outfield.

In this trade proposal, the M’s get two years of Adam Engel for three years of Dylan Moore. The team of writers at SouthSide Showdown talked with another writer at SoDo Mojo about the White Sox needing second base and right field help. Dylan Moore can certainly play second base and has had some time in right field. While he struggled last year offensively, he is good defensively as well, but he does not have the injury concerns of Engel.

Adam Engel is also just a backup in Chicago with Luis Robert in center field nearly every game, so he could be available for the Mariners. The White Sox would make this deal to trade someone they don’t necessarily need for someone who can address their needs. It is a solid swap of average players from both clubs. The next trade target is also an option for the M’s in the outfield who can play center field as well.