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 #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.