One Mariners Trade Proposal from each A.L. East Team

Mariners Trade Target: Boston Red Sox – RHP Hirokazu Sawamura

The Mariners have had a long history of having Japanese players on their roster for years, and they do not have a clear cut path to having another Japanese player in 2022. One way to correct that is by trading for Red Sox right hander Hirokazu Sawamura. He had a nice first year last in America, pitching in 53 innings and having a 3.06 ERA. He was very solid for the Red Sox, and pitched for them in the ALCS.

He would be a way to add depth to the bullpen, and be someone who could eat innings in the middle of the game. He could be a very good middle reliever for the Mariners in 2022, and be someone that can take the pressure off guys like Paul Sewald, Drew Steckenrider, and Casey Sadler. There is no way that the Mariners could have too many relievers, and Sawamura would be a great depth add.

He has a good fastball around 97 mph, a changeup/splitter that is in the low 90s, and a slider. He is a solid reliever, and he would not cost a ton to add in trade either.

In this trade proposal, the Red Sox would be getting Joe Rizzo who has struggled with the Mariners in the minors. He has never done anything great in the minors, but reached AA last year at the age of 23. He was drafted 50th overall by the Mariners back in 2016, but has been pretty disappointing since. He would benefit from a new start, and Boston can provide that. The M’s would not miss Rizzo too much in their system either.

Overall, Sawamura is a very intriguing name for the Mariners to consider for adding to their bullpen. He would be fun to watch in Seattle, especially with the long heritage and history of Japanese players playing and thriving in Seattle for the Mariners.