Mariners Rumors: Insider highlights 2 sluggers for an 'aggressive' trade deadline

In his most recent article at ESPN.com, MLB insider Jeff Passan played matchmaker for MLB buyers and sellers, projecting who he thinks would be the best fit for each team to target at the upcoming trade deadline.

In his article, Passan said the Mariners were clear buyers, with the objective to land an infield bat. He says the team's best fit is Baltimore Orioles' first baseman Ryan O'Hearn, with Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor as another alternative.

Why the Mariners are poised for a big deadline, with Ryan O'Hearn and Josh Naylor possibly in their sights

Passan says the Mariners "are going to be aggressive," and while everything is worth a grain of salt this early in the summer, it is good to hear that ESPN's top MLB insider seems to think Seattle is going for it. After last summer's trade deadline returns of Justin Turner and Randy Arozarena failed to boost the Mariners into the postseason, it's encouraging the team is unfazed and will likely be making another deadline push this year.

Passan says the Mariners are "plenty willing to get creative," but says he believes first base is the easiest position to upgrade. For now, he's likely right. With Ben Williamson and Cole Young called up from Triple-A to play second base and third base and Luke Raley due to return by the end of the month to right field, first base looks like the most obvious position to upgrade.

However, if Raley continues to struggle when he returns, or if other slumping players like Williamson or Jorge Polanco keep trending down, the Mariners might need to target another position.

On the other hand, O'Hearn is quite an enticing player. The first baseman is slashing .335/.428/.538, with nine home runs, eight doubles, 23 RBI, and 25 runs scored. He's been one of the few bright spots on a struggling Baltimore squad. Over 2023 and 2024, O'Hearn had an OPS+ of 122, but this season, that number has jumped to 178.

The Mariners need a left-handed bat, and O'Hearn can fill that role. He could hit second in the lineup, offering protection to Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh. He could play a combination of first base, designated hitter and right field, depending on how the rest of the lineup looks on any given day.

Passan also offered a second-choice for the Mariners: "If O'Hearn isn't the answer, the Mariners could turn to [Josh] Naylor."

In his first season with the Diamondbacks, Naylor has a .349 OBP, and has been enjoying a solid offensive season. The 28-year-old lefty is hitting .292 with a .805 OPS. He's driven in 37 runs and scored 30 so far this year.

With both Naylor and O'Hearn's contracts expiring at the end of the season, both would be rentals. O'Hearn is having a stronger season so far, and has more positional flexibility than Naylor, who would likely be limited to just playing first base. However, Naylor has been the more consistent hitter throughout his career.

Either way, Seattle likely would be able to trade for either player without having to give up their favorite prospect. With nine prospects among MLB Pipeline's top 100, the Mariners have the juice to make a big-time move this deadline.