Mariners' most obvious trade candidate is also the most awkward roster fit

The Mariners are expected to be buyers at the trade deadline, thanks to an underwhelming American League which has allowed them to remain in contention despite their erratic form. Fans will be hoping for a repeat of last year's approach, but we wonder how much of a gamble the front office is prepared to take? Pending the answer, Willson Contreras could prove to be an enticing risk.

Giving credit where it's due, ESPN's David Schoenfield picks Contreras as a solution for the Mariners' desperate need for a quality right-handed bat. And there's a lot to like about a player who's on course for a career-year, with projected single season highs including a .284 batting average, .542 slugging percentage, .921 OPS and 159 OPS+. The 34-year-old has been on absolute fire in Boston, ranking in the 99th percentile for overall Batting Run Value.

However, where Contreras really stands out as the Mariners' solution, is his productivity versus left-handed pitching highlighted by a .952 OPS this season, but also a career .878 OPS. The M's struggles against southpaws in 2026 are well-documented, with them ranked dead last in the majors with a .210 batting average and .627 OPS. To say he could help them in this respect is a significant understatement.

It's easy to get on board with this idea in a vacuum, but now comes the gamble aspect of pursuing this option. More specifically, how would this work exactly? Contreras is primarily a first baseman and DH, but Josh Naylor and Dominic Canzone are firmly entrenched at these respective positions. In addition, the three-time All-Star is too good to platoon.

Some solutions to fit Willson Contreras into the lineup, but still a potential headache for the Mariners

There's an easy enough fix against lefties at least, as Canzone and/or Luke Raley could sit. Otherwise, one of them would be out of some playing time. In this respect, Raley is probably the first man out as both are equally uninspiring on defense, but Canzone is the better hitter.

We'll admit it makes sense why MLB.com's Mark Feinsand is saying the Mariners would prefer a right-handed bat that can play at third base or in a corner-outfield spot. And while Contreras does have Major League experience at both positions, two and 35 games respectively isn't a much of a resume.

Aside from being an awkward roster fit, Contreras' contract could be another challenge for the Mariners. He's making $18 million this year, meaning they would be on the hook for around $6 million, while he's also owed $17 million next season. There is a potential $20 million in 2028, but this is a club option.

Ultimately, it comes down to if the Mariners are prepared to deal with the potential headache that comes with adding Contreras? How much does adding an extremely productive right-handed bat outweigh trying to find him playing time, given the M's roster makeup? As far as we're concerned, Jerry Dipto should consider making a deal with the Red Sox and then keep a healthy stash of aspirin at his disposal.

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