Mariners reunite with former top prospect via trade with Rays

Jerry Dipoto hasn't had the greatest luck trading prospects for proven, MLB talent, outside of the Luis Castillo deal. But during what seems like a completely different era of Mariners baseball, Dipoto was able to swing a similar type deal and acquire a solid bullpen arm.

In a surprising 90-win Mariners season back in 2021, Dipoto bolstered the squad's bullpen, adding a solid reliever in what seemed like a great move at the time. Diego Castillo would join Drew Steckenrider, Paul Sewald and Casey Sadler in hopes of shortening the game for a pitching staff that was nowhere near as dominant as the current group.

One of the names that was sent away in the deal was a hard pill to swallow for many Mariners fans. Many thought that Spokane, WA native, Austin Shenton, who was a quick rising corner infielder, was going to be the third baseman of the future, replacing a franchise icon Kyle Seager.

Luckily for Mariners' fans, Shenton fell victim to Tampa Bays regular 40-man roster crunch this offseason and was designated for assignment on Monday. Now is the time for Dipoto to pounce.

And he did! Would you look at that!

Mariners reunite with former top prospect Austin Shenton via trade with Rays

The Mariners selected Shenton in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Florida International University, and Shenton did nothing but absolutely rake. Briefly making his way to Double-A Arkansas before being sent to Tampa Bay in 2021, Shenton was showing an advanced approach at the plate, something that Dipoto and Hollander would drool over.

The 2023 season saw Shenton finally tap into some true power numbers, as he hit 29 home runs between Double-A Montgomery and Triple-A Durham while slashing .304/.423/.584. 2024 was more of the same for Shenton in Durham where he slashed .258/.361/.497 with 20 home runs in just 83 games. He was able to make his MLB debut, playing just 19 games and hitting .214/.340/.405 with one home run.

Shenton fits the mold of the advanced approach, hit-tool focused bat that seems pretty mature for a relatively inexperienced player. Though Shenton has just 50 major league plate appearances, he seems like the type of advanced bat that could improve in short time.

Given the Mariners lack of corner infield depth, outside of Luke Raley and Tyler Locklear, this seemed like an absolute no-brainer. Dipoto and the front office are already familiar with Shenton. We know that they have tried acquiring the Washington native back in prior trade talks, and we're glad it came back full circle.