3 players who could be on the trade block if the Mariners end up as sellers

The Seattle Mariners are now 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the AL West, and 1.5 games off the pace in the AL wild card hunt. Obviously, there is plenty of time for the Mariners to close the gap and get back into the playoff mix, but what if they don't?

If Seattle continues to struggle, and if injuries to the pitching staff continue to pile up, the team might have to face the reality of being sellers at the deadline. With that being said, here are three players the team might get something back for.

The Mariners could offer a Gold Glover, an ace, and a slugger at the trade deadline

1. Dylan Moore

Every team can use a solid utility platoon bat. It would be sad for the Mariners to part ways with the longest tenured player on the team. But with Moore's contract expiring at the end of the year, it's a move that would make sense.

A right-handed platoon bat who crushes left-handed pitching and plays great defense at multiple positions would be desired by plenty of teams. Not only that, but D Mo has been productive this year. He boasts a 117 OPS+, the second best of his career. With eight home runs, eight stolen bases, and 21 runs scored, he has found ways to make an impact offensively.

His 1.0 bWAR actually makes him one of the best second baseman in the AL, despite only making 35 starts (and only 19 at second base).

2. Luis Castillo

This one might be controversial because Castillo still has two years left on the extension he signed with the Mariners in 2022. However, the team could sell him now, while his value in highest, and likely get a massive haul for the ace pitcher.

Castillo's 3.31 ERA and 3.65 FIP are both among the lowest of his career, and his best since arriving in Seattle. He is pitching like a real ace, and has been worth every cent of the $24.5 million he's owed this season.

While he is expensive, there are sure to be teams who would jump at the opportunity to acquire Castillo for the next two-and-a-half years. It would save the Mariners money that could be reinvested, either in extensions for Logan Gilbert and George Kirby or to future free agents. The prospects Seattle could get back for Castillo would likely be a major boost to what is already a strong farm.

However, the Mariners might also want to keep Castillo around for future playoff runs in 2026 and beyond.

3. Rowdy Tellez

If the Mariners can get something for Tellez, it would be a testament to Jerry Dipoto's ability to find bargains and make the most out of them. Tellez was a minor league invite who broke camp and has been one of the M's most reliable hitters this year.

If there are teams looking for left-handed power bats, Tellez might be an enticing offer. He's affordable (his salary is only $1.5 million) and would not come in with an expectation to play every day, but rather with the expectation to be a contributor.