Latest Blue Jays signing places dagger in Mariners' trade deadline mistake

Amidst all of the chaos that filled Tuesday at the MLB Winter Meetings, it was an under-the-radar move that should have Seattle Mariners fans frustrated at the events that have transpired over the last six months.

Even though the team was dealt great news in the draft lottery, it was a free agent signing by the Toronto Blue Jays that soured the first part of the day. The Blue Jays brought in a familiar face, Yimi Garcia, on a two-year deal worth $15 million — a reasonable cost for one of the better arms moved at the 2024 trade deadline.

The Mariners, looking to aid Andres Muñoz after the losses of Matt Brash and Gregory Santos, turned to a rival to make, what at the time seemed like, a massive addition. They acquired Yimi Garcia from the middling Jays, who had been absolutely dominant for a team that didn't need him. They sent the Blue Jays Jonatan Clase and minor league catcher Jacob Sharp. Sharp didn't carry much value, but Clase was one of the more exciting prospects in the system and had proven that he needed a chance in the big leagues.

At the time, this was seen as a solid move for the Mariners. Garcia had thrown 30 innings for Toronto with a 2.70 ERA and an impressive 12.6 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9. Their prospect stockpile was incredible, Clase had upside but was unproven, and the team had already acquired Randy Arozarena, with Luke Raley and Victor Robles manning the other spots.

But all Garcia did with Seattle was throw nine innings, give up six runs and strike out seven batters before dealing with arm injuries. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on Aug. 23 with right elbow inflammation before being transferred to the 60-day IL on Sept. 10, ending his time in Seattle.

With the Mariners still in need of bullpen help, a reunion with Garcia made sense. He was a veteran, so a long-term deal was out of question. He was coming off an injury, so the cost should have been reasonable (which it was). Instead, the M's traded one of the more interesting prospects in their syste only to let Garcia walk right back to the team that now holds the rights to Clase.

This move won't kill the Mariners this offseason. However, not adding a legitimate bullpen arm to pair with Muñoz might. This just has the makings of the type of move we look back on in three or four years and say to ourselves ..."yikes."