Mariners GM's comment on Matt Brash is the exact phrase fans don't want to hear

When Mariners general manager Justin Hollander provided an extensive injury update for a myriad of players on Tuesday, one thing which jumped out was the news Matt Brash won't be back until August. However, what made this worse was the way Hollander framed it: "I think it’s reasonable to think of Matt as like a trade-deadline-type addition based on where we are today."

It's bad enough that Brash is out, given he has taken his game to new heights in 2026, highlighted by allowing just one earned run in 20 appearances. It's also concerning that this is his second stint on the Injured List this season, although Hollander stressed it's a different injury to the lat strain he suffered the first time around.

However, what's really frustrating fans is the implication the Mariners won't be aggressive in looking for relief help. This becomes even more exasperating when you consider Cooper Criswell and Carlos Vargas similarly won't return until around the same time of Brash. While the trio will provide a tremendous boost when they do return, the bullpen is barely hanging on as it is, with six weeks still to go until we reach August.

Mariners and fanbase seemingly at odds on how to deal with bullpen situation

It's stunning to think how the Mariners are effectively alluding to having the complete opposite reaction to the fanbase. That the injuries have the front office content to wait it out, rather than be more aggressive. And that's before we even mention that Andrés Muñoz seems to have lost his mojo this season, with every outing resulting in an emotional roller-coaster ride that fans want a refund on.

The thing is, why can't the Mariners have both, as they continue to hover around .500? Why can't they be as aggressive as they were prior to last season's deadline, when they acquired Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suárez to galvanize a team which was similarly struggling to find some consistency?

As far as we're concerned, the Mariners can and should have both, with no less an authority than The Athletic's Jim Bowden believing in this mindset. He knows health is the most important need, while adding that elite pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan can help down the stretch if needed. However, he also says not to be surprised if the M's make a run for Red Sox’s closer Aroldis Chapman.

Red Sox likely to move Aroldis Chapman so Mariners should be in the conversation

We can only hope Bowden is right about Chapman, who would provide reliable insurance for the shaky Muñoz. We wrote on Wednesday about how the front office needs to get on the phone to Boston, to inquire about the eight-time All-Star and two-time AL Reliever of the Year. He's pitching better than ever, with a 0.44 ERA which projects as a career-low.

ESPN's Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan predict there's a 90 percent chance the Red Sox trade Chapman in what's looking like a lost season, and we see no reason -- or excuse -- for the Mariners not to make a play. Certainly, we know they have the assets to turn what would be a dream addition into a reality.

Hollander can call Brash similar to a trade-type addition if he wants, but it's not fooling anyone. As much as he is a tremendous pitcher, he's already with the team. What fans want to see is a fresh face in Seattle to give Dan Wilson and the Mariners someone new to play with, and Chapman fits the bill perfectly.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow