Andrés Muñoz finally showing up should be shifting Mariners' trade priorities

It was anything but a smooth start to the year for Andrés Muñoz. After a couple of blow-up outings inflated his stats past the point of no return, he continued to struggle through the first half of June. By June 15th, his ERA stood at 5.92 over 24.1 innings and his numbers drew questions about his ability to perform in high leverage.

Thankfully, his last six outings have resembled his career as a Mariner far more closely. Over this span, he has kept teams scoreless, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters. He has picked up five saves along the way and he has begun to reassert himself as one of the top closers in baseball once again.

This helps alleviate at least one of the Mariners' needs at this year's deadline, but it doesn't mean their relief unit isn't still hurting for help.

The Mariners no longer need to acquire a closer, but could still use more depth at the back of the bullpen

Much of the discussion around what Seattle needs to trade for is around their slumping offense, particularly when it comes to hitting left-handed pitching. The team's .624 OPS against southpaws ranks dead-last in MLB by a wide margin.

But for a team with hopes of a deeper playoff run, bolstering the bullpen is never a bad idea. Prior to Muñoz's resurgence, Aroldis Chapman was rumored to be a target for Seattle, but that now seems more like a pipe dream than a plausible reality. Nonetheless, the club could still pursue a setup man instead of a closer.

The role is usually held by Matt Brash, but he's on the injured list for right lat inflammation, his second time being shelved this season. Cooper Criswell has also been relied on several times this season, and is also on the sidelines due to a shoulder strain. While both are tracking to be back soon, adding some insurance couldn't hurt.

There are a few options to choose from. Antonio Senzatela (3.07 ERA, 3.38 FIP) is having an eerily effective season for the Rockies and could bring his newfound bullpen talents to the Mariners. Rico Garcia (2.52 ERA, 3.67 FIP) is having the best season of his six-year big league career for the Orioles. Juan Morillo (2.78 ERA, 2.77 FIP) is having a fantastic year for an otherwise floundering Diamondbacks roster.

Seeing Andrés Muñoz return to form is a major win in and of itself. As a side effect, the Mariners no longer have to pay a premium prospect package for a closer who may fail to carry over his first half success to his new squad. Targeting relief unit depth will still be an important way to round out the roster for the postseason but it'll come at a much lower price, just the way Seattle's front office likes it.

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