Possible Trade Chips Lie in Mariner’s Pitching Depth

Thanks to dependable pitching depth, Seattle Mariners pitching coach Pete Woodworth enjoyed a stress-free year on the job. At least when it came to the six starters, the team employed: Luis Castillo, Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert, Marco Gonzalez, George Kirby, and Chris Flexen. Those hurlers made every scheduled start this year and excelled to a 3.59 ERA and 1.19 WHIP. These statistics and their overall durability allowed them to crack the top 10 in MLB pitching metrics.

The Mariners could look to send off pitching depth to fix holes elsewhere

If you look at those six starters, they offer something different to the staff, but do we need all of them? Why not cash in on the pitching depth? Especially when the new General Manager, Justin Hollander, took the podium at the end of the season press conference and stated a desire to improve the roster.

“I think we need to get better. We had an awesome year. Really excited about the progress we made. We also finished 16 games behind the Astros (for the American League West title). The goal is not to get to the playoffs, the goal is to win the World Series, and we want to get better and that means better everywhere.”

It is safe to say pitching was the strength of this year’s team. Manager Scott Servais had a formula between the starters, and a bullpen thrived in one-run games. However, this offseason is critical for Hollander and President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto, as now is the time to invest in the offense. One of the best ways they can augment the starting nine is by leveraging the depth (Chris Flexen or possibly Marco Gonzalez) for more bat-to-ball hitters. Control the Zone anyone?

According to SPOTRAC, some solid middle infield options and corner outfielders exist in the 2024 free-agent class. The White Sox or Cubs might want to sell high on players like Tim Anderson and Ian Happ, or the Phillies could look to cash in on their surplus and ship Scott Kingery out of town.

All those teams could use the steadiness of Chris Flexen or the leadership of Marco Gonzalez in their rotations. More importantly, those bats would look awful nice in the 2023 Mariner lineup card and provide the depth needed to run with the prerenal division champion, Houston Astros.

Why would the team part ways with one of those dependable starters? First, good teams are strong in both pitching and hitting. Look no further than this year’s playoff field, where the Astro and Phillies are putting on a masterclass in roster construction and implementation.

Second, the farm has reinforcements in top pitching prospects Emerson Hancock, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo waiting in the wings with big fastballs, sharp breaking balls, and plus-command. Bank on it. At least one of these prospects will see time in Seattle this year.

Free agency isn’t the only way to beef up the team’s anemic offense. “Trader Jerry” knows a thing or two about leveraging a surplus to fill holes in a roster. Look at the 2020 trade with San Diego as a possible blueprint. That trade netted Ty France, Taylor Trammell, Luis Torrens, and Andres Munoz for an overage in relievers and a versatile catcher. Mariner brass doesn’t have to do something that drastic, but it doesn’t hurt to cash in some chips this offseason. Especially when management has shown a propensity to win these types of deals.