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 #1: Striking a Deal with the Birds for Run Production

The Orioles made an unexpected turn toward playoff contention in 2022, racking 83 wins. The longtime AL East cellar dweller finished fourth in the division thanks to a mix of rookies (Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson) and veterans (Rougned Odor, Cedric Mullins). However, a noted area of improvement is the starting rotation, where the Orioles lack veteran leadership.

The four starting options on the roster include Dean Kremer, Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells, and Austin Voth. However, if the Orioles want to take the next step, they need solid mid-rotation additions this winter. Enter Chris Flexen, who would immediately slot in the three spot for AL Manager of the Year runner-up Brandon Hyde.

In this proposed deal, the Orioles get their veteran starter and replenish their minor league system, while the Mariners get a controllable power bat with positional versatility. In addition, this trade would create a Jesse Winker-sized trade chip for General Manager Justin Hollander, which he could use in a separate deal.

Giving up Taylor Trammell hurts, but as the adage goes, “You have to give up something to get something.” Adding Anthony Santander’s run production ability to the bottom of the lineup for three years would help the team immensely. Additionally, he hits the ball hard (40% Hard hit Rate), which seems to be a rising trend.

There was a black hole in the 7-9 spots in the lineup for most of the year. Imagine putting a switch-hitting power hitter down there with the ability to hit 30 dingers while spelling Ty France at first and Teoscar Hernandez in a corner outfield spot.

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.