Seattle Mariners Go Big, Need More as Deadline Nears
The Mariners have been making waves in multiple ways lately. The brawl, the win streak, Julio Rodriguez, and now, the trade for Luis Castillo. Let’s take a look at what has been going on, and what still needs to happen for the Seattle Mariners.
The Mariners trade for Luis Castillo
The Seattle Mariners decided to go for it, acquiring all-star ace Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for four prospects, including two major prospects in Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo.
This trade is a win for both clubs, but an even bigger win for the Mariners. Seattle is acquiring a top 10 pitcher in the game, a dude that has some of the most electric stuff, and an even more electric attitude on the mound. An easy 100mph, and a changeup that will give all Mariners fans the Felix chills. This is Seattle’s number one guy, no question.
The haul is large, no doubt. At the end of the day, many will look at this as too much, but I view these prospects in a much different light than most. Noelvi Marte is a good prospect, but his body will not translate to a shortstop, and his numbers up until recently, were quite worrisome. Arroyo is at least two years away from the Bigs, and the other arms are most likely bullpen arms in the future.
Uninformed sites and people will say Seattle gave up three of their top five prospects, and that’s just not true. Marte is not the top prospect, that is catcher Harry Ford, who was just recently promoted and looks like a true star in the making.
Seattle also will be signing one of the most highly touted international prospects in years with sixteen-year-old shortstop Felnin Celesten this winter. When he signs on the dotted line, he’ll immediately become Seattle’s top prospect, and will be viewed in the same way Julio was. Seattle also will likely have two first round picks this next summer in the MLB draft, thanks to the very likely possibility that Julio wins rookie of the year.
The farm definitely doesn’t look like it did a year ago at this time, but it’s also not barren. There’s plenty of attractive pieces, and the team just nailed the most recent draft last week. The perceived farm rankings will shoot back up into the top half of baseball by this time next year, AND Seattle has Luis Castillo for 1.5 seasons. I applaud Jerry Dipoto for going out and getting the most talented arm that is on the market. This is a move that shows management understands the moment and how close the Mariners are.
The Mariners Problem on Offense
The reason why I talked so much about our prospect depth currently, is because Jerry Dipoto has to go to battle, and give this team some offensive reinforcements. Julio Rodriguez and Dylan Moore are on the IL, and France is gonna miss some time. Although France is not currently on the IL, his health concerns me most. He has not been the same since the July fourth injury. The few days he’s been healthy, he’s been the all-star and franchise bat Seattle needs.. As long as Seattle is within a game of a playoff spot, I’d strongly consider resting him.
A statement was made this week by Jerry Dipoto stating he believes the offense is pretty set, considering Kyle Lewis and Mitch Haniger are almost back. I can’t disagree more. This offense is hanging by a thread right now, injuries have weakened your best hitters, but it is the recent additions that are most worrisome when looking at Dipoto’s comments. Jesse Winker, Adam Frazier, Eugenio Suarez, and Carlos Santana were all brought in here to help, and they’ve all had their moments. Unfortunately, after 100 games, all but Suarez are below average hitters this season.
You have to start thinking about not just making the playoffs, but how you’re going to get past a Toronto, Minnesota, or Tampa Bay type of team in the wild card series. Last year the Atlanta Braves lost their best player in Ronald Acuna Jr. Their GM responded by acquiring multiple outfielders, hoping one would get hot enough for the Braves to get back to the playoffs. Instead, all the acquisitions got hot and the rest is history. Dipoto needs to do the same.
The Mariners Opportunity to Fix the Offense
The Mariners are currently weak or hurt in the entire outfield, as well as second base and the bullpen. These are the guys I think that can help Seattle, without breaking the bank.
Ian Happ– the versatile outfielder and second baseman is an all-star that has put up a 3.0 WAR this year for the lowly Cubs. Jerry Dipoto has always dreamed of a Ben Zobrist type player, this is the 2022 version of him. Happ could force players like Winker, Frazier, Moore and Toro to step up, see the bench, or see Tacoma. Staying in Chicago, David Robertson could be a tremendous addition to the bullpen. This deal would be huge, likely costing Emerson Hancock and two other pieces. A heavy price, but 1.5 seasons of Happ and a proven reliever in Robertson is tempting.
Brandon Drury– another first time all-star, Drury could be the 4th trade between the Mariners and the Reds. The power hitting second baseman has a hot market, but the Mariners are on the chase. His 19 home runs would lead the team.
Joc Pederson– the good luck charm. A postseason hero for the last two world series champions, Pederson and his magical pearls could bring the right amount of swagger and power to a team needing more big swings. With questions about Winker’s play and Haniger’s ability to stay healthy, Joc could be this year for Seattle what Atlanta got from him last year. It’s highly unlikely after the Castillo trade, but if Seattle wants to empty their prospect chamber, they could possibly go after both Joc and Carlos Rodon. Who likes the idea of a Castillo, Rodon, Ray, Gilbert core four rotation in October?
J.D. Martinez and Kike Hernandez– other than Juan Soto, Martinez could be the biggest bat available. Martinez may not be having his best season, but he’s still posting an OPS+ of 121 in his age 34 contract year. Martinez has a history of big second halves, carrying Arizona to the playoffs in 2017, and being a main player in the Red Sox 2018 world title.
The Sox are free falling, and it makes sense to get something for assets that could be on the move this winter. Martinez would instantly bring a third elite bat to the lineup. Hernandez has had an awful season, but he has a history of postseason success and the versatility Seattle needs to get through their current predicament.
Andrew Chafin– I still don’t know why Chafin signed with the Detroit Tigers this winter, but I don’t expect him to be there after Tuesday. The fantastic left-handed reliever has had another great season for the lowly Tigers. The Mariners are currently throwing out Borucki as the lone left handed reliever on the ball club. A guy like Chafin could be had for a moderate package, and become the final weapon needed to complete the best bullpen in baseball.
These are the most realistic options available to Seattle. Jerry Dipoto can’t stand by and hope that below replacement players can get them through the first few weeks of August. The Mariners are a half game up on Tampa for the 5th seed in the playoffs and two up on the Guardians for the final playoff spot with 59 games to go. Jerry Dipoto and the Mariners showed they are going for it. Let’s see them go all in.