Possible Chris Flexen Trade Scenarios

The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings kick off this Sunday (December 4), and the Mariners are on the clock. President of Baseball Operations, Jerry Dipoto and General Manager, Justin Hollander have already struck a deal to augment the roster offensively, but recent reports say the two aren’t done ‘transacting.’ There is still work to be done, including adding another corner outfielder, a middle infielder with some impact, and a lefty bullpen arm… say, for Chris Flexen.

Luckily, the Mariners have a few desirable assets on the roster. One rumor with the most traction is that teams have called about backend starters Chris Flexen and Marco Gonzalez ever since last year’s trade deadline. Seattle Times reporter, Ryan Divish unveiled this stalled trade this week.

Per multiple MLB sources and other reports, the Mariners were working on a potential trade that would’ve sent Gonzales to the Phillies in the days leading up to the trade deadline. Sources and rumors indicated it was a three-team deal that would’ve possibly sent Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo to Seattle.

While the team floated everyone’s favorite crafty lefty in a potential three-way trade that would’ve netted the Mariners reclamation project, Joey Gallo, let’s focus on the most valuable trade chip, a 28-year-old right-hander with four average to above-average pitches.

Here are three possible Chris Flexen trade scenarios that could help fill a hole or two in the current roster.

Chris Flexen Trade #2: Calling Up an Old Friend for a Middle Infielder

San Diego General Manager A.J. Preller is a common trade partner and has gifted the Mariners some stellar talent. Now is the time to call him and line up the next transaction.

The Padres are losing two starters in free agency, Sean Mannea and Mike Clevinger. They will probably make a run at Kodai Senga, but they still need a backend starter to round out the rotation. So why not strike a deal with the Mariners (again) for a better version of Clevinger, Chris Flexen, and some relief help?

The current roster has a few middle infield pieces that would interest Justin Hollander and President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto. Before we get any further, in no way are they trading 2022 NL All-Star Jake Croenenworth. With rumors that the Padres are in on the shortstop market, they might be willing to part with a high-upside prospect who would add plus speed and positional versatility, Eguy Rosario.

Eguy Rosario is the Padres #5 prospect, who grades out well in scouting circles for his bat-to-ball skills and elite defense. He strikes out a bit too much for my liking, but he has an impact bat and is young enough to learn the “Control the Zone” ways (23). Plus, his speed and defense at second would play with the 2023 shift restrictions.

Chris Flexen Trade #3: One-Way Ticket to the Bronx

The Yankees are losing their number three starter, Jameson Taillon, in free agency. They have arms with upsides like Deivi Garcia, Domingo German, and Luis Gill, who can fill out the backend but need a mid-rotation arm. With most of their money probably going to resign  Aaron Judge, General Manager Brian Cashman might look at cheaper options to fill out the rotation. Additionally, they are in the market for lefthanded power, as the bulk of the lineup swings from the right side.

Recent reports showed the Mariner’s interest in second baseman Gleyber Torres. Two years of control will cost a lot more than Chris Flexen, but it might be worth it. Torres is a former all-star who hits the ball hard to all fields and plays above-average defense. Plus, it would allow the team to continue to maximize Dylan Moore and Sam Haggerty off the bench, where they can continue to thrive.

Sometimes the writing is just on the wall. Ryan Divish’s report on Jesse Winker pretty much stamped his ticket out of town. Packaging him with Flexen would give the Yankees what they need and allow the Mariners to fill a significant hole at the keystone this offseason.