Mariners make questionable roster decision after Austin Shenton trade

Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners
Oakland Athletics v Seattle Mariners | Steph Chambers/GettyImages

The Seattle Mariners orchestrated a reunion with young infielder and Washington native Austin Shenton in a Nov. 19 trade with the Tampa Bay Rays.

The Mariners selected Shenton in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft and shipped him to Tampa Bay in 2021 in exchange for pitcher Diego Castillo. Seattle, three years later, received the 26-year-old back from the Rays for cash considerations in hopes of shoring up its infield.

The M's 40-man roster was full at the time of the acquisition, so a spot had to be cleared to welcome Shenton back. In a corresponding move, the organization designated veteran reliever JT Chargois for assignment. As excited as fans were about Shenton returning, many have questioned this decision.

The Mariners have displayed a tendency to trade away players and trade back for them later on. Shenton is just one example, but Chargois has also posted multiple stints in Seattle. He was traded to the Rays alongside Shenton in 2021 and the Mariners got him back before the 2024 trade deadline in a one-for-one pitcher swap with the Marlins.

Mariners News: JT Chargois designated for assignment to make room for Austin Shenton

Chargois also had a great season in 2024 and could've been a solid part of Seattle's bullpen again. He clocked a career-best 2.23 ERA in 36 1/3 innings between the Marlins and Mariners — his season was shortened due to a 60-day injured list stint with neck spasms.

Seattle has plenty of money to sign more experienced infielders than Shenton. He appeared in just 19 big league games with the Rays last season and batted .214/.340/.405. He flashed a solid eye at the plate and collected eight walks, which could help lower the Mariners' league-leading strikeout numbers, but he lacks the power their offense also needs.

Chargois posted too good a season last year to give him up for an unproven infielder the Mariners already traded once. There are also better relievers than Chargois available, but the market is sure to be competitive and Seattle hasn't won many bidding wars in recent years. Regardless, Chargois was one of the team's best relievers in the second half, and his performance was worthy of keeping him around. Now, he'll be exposed to waivers and will undoubtedly have suitors on that front.

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