Cubs insider links Mariners to potential blockbuster trade with Chicago

The MLB rumors and speculation are flying off the wall. It's the point in the offseason when media members go from sharing what each club needs to become better next season at a surface level, to them linking actual players to potential trades and transactions. As the fun is only beginning, the Seattle Mariners continue to find their name being thrown around the rumor mill.

It's no secret that Seattle needs help with their infield, so it's expected the front office will be involved in consistent trade talks. As we creep into mid-November, those discussions are only going to intensify. And we have an early link.

Bruce Levine of 670 The Score in Chicago recently shared his insight, believing the Mariners could spin a deal with the Cubs. Levine suggested the M's trading away one of their precious starting pitchers in exchange for a top prospect in Chicago's farm system.

Levine is not the first reporter to float out the idea of Seattle sending away a starting pitcher, but maybe it isn't the worst mock trade we have seen this offseason. If the Mariners actually want to rebuild and move on from a model that didn't lead to them making the postseason, perhaps Levine is on to something here.

The two potential minor leaguers the Mariners would receive are the Cubs' No. 1 prospect in Matt Shaw or their No. 5 guy in James Triantos. Shaw is a power-hitting infielder who was promoted to Triple-A Iowa and accumulated 44 extra-base hits and 31 stolen bases in 121 minor league contests. He is also connected with Ken Griffey Jr. as the only two players to ever record seven-RBI in a game for Team USA, so maybe Shaw is a great future fit for the M's.

Triantos has experience as an infielder and outfielder, and just like Shaw, went from Double-A to Triple-A this past season as a smooth .300 hitter with 47 stolen bases in 115 games. Both players could be exactly what Jerry Dipoto is looking for in terms of building a long-term successful future.

Although difficult for him (and the fans) to perhaps split up the unbelievable starting rotation from 2024, it is worth delving into the positive effects of this organization having competency all around the diamond, and not just on the mound. We are going to continue hearing the Mariners' pitchers in every rumor, so buckle up if you are not already accustomed to a bumpy offseason.

Whether fans like the idea of this sort of deal or not, at least Levine makes it attractive in some way for the Mariners.