Mariners Trade Target: Toronto Blue Jays – INF Cavan Biggio
Cavan Biggio is not a great infielder, but he has a lot of potential. He had a great rookie season, playing in 100 games, amassing 2.4 WAR, hitting 16 home runs, slashing .234/.364/.429. He followed this up in 2020 with a pretty good season, and many people projected him to have a breakout season in 2021. This was not the case, and he struggled and was below average offensively. He lost a starting job and moved all around the field, giving him more versatility.
In 2021, Biggio slashed .224/.322/.356. He has not been a great hitter for average, and he has never hit over .250. He lost a lot of his power and some on base last year. If he can get back to some in game power, he can be a 100 wRC+ type of player again. His ideal production right now is 20 doubles and 20 homers, which would be career highs, but the potential is there.
The Mariners would be buying low on a player that they would be hoping turns into a big league regular at third base. He can also play second base, so he could be a backup option if they don’t get Bryant or Story. They could also get one of those players and still trade for Biggio. He would be a good fit since he is left handed, and has a pretty strong stroke.
In this trade scenario, the Blue Jays would be getting a good pitching prospect in Taylor Dollard. He is going to rank higher in the Blue Jays system since their system is not as good as the Mariners. Jake Fraley fits in Toronto because he is left handed and they have very few lefties on their roster, so having Fraley as strictly a fourth outfielder would be good. Finally Mills is a very intriguing reliever because he has a funky delivery, and the Jays need relievers.
The Mariners should not bet their offseason on the back of Biggio, but he may be a good fit since he would bring more balance to the lineup. He could play part time at second or third base if the Mariners don’t get another infielder. He has lots of potential since he is going to play this year at 27 years old.
Overall, the Mariners need to address their infield and it would not hurt if they got another reliever to add to their bullpen. They are going to be a fun team to watch this year, and they are positioned to make a lot of moves once the lockout is over. Jerry Dipoto will continue to make moves, and it will be very fun to see what he does for the Mariners.