Mariners Rumors: Seattle teased for potential blockbuster for former Astros menace

As the calendar flips to July and the MLB trade market begins to simmer, the Seattle Mariners have once again found themselves pulled into the rumor vortex — this time, tied to a familiar name that’s been on their radar before.

According to The Seattle Times’ Adam Jude, Seattle could get in on former Houston Astros villain turned Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman if he comes available ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. He's a player who drew heavy offseason interest from the Mariners before making headlines by signing a deal in Boston.

Let’s rewind for a moment. Instead of making a splashy investment this past winter, the Mariners opted for a more frugal route — re-signing Jorge Polanco and moving him across the diamond to third base. Meanwhile, Bregman inked a complex three-year, $120 million deal with Boston, featuring opt-outs and a 10-year, $60 million deferred payout. The financial gymnastics of that deal ultimately set off a chain reaction that — in one way or another — pushed Rafael Devers out the door, landing the Red Sox superstar in San Francisco via a blockbuster trade.

Mariners could reignite Bregman pursuit with Red Sox in turmoil

Now, with the Red Sox spiraling after shipping Devers out — owning a 5-8 record since the move and watching their postseason odds tumble to just 17.4 percent, per FanGraphs — Jude ponders if the club may be open to dealing Bregman.

Jude’s report dangles the possibility of a Mariners blockbuster like bait: “A Bregman trade seems like a longshot, but if Boston does make him available, sources have said the Mariners would be interested.”

But the situation is anything but simple. Any trade talks for Bregman would come with significant baggage.

Are the Mariners prepared to part with top prospect Harry Ford? It’s hard to envision a deal of this magnitude getting done without a premier young talent, and Ford's name sits at the top of most teams’ wish lists when they engage with Seattle.

Then there's the Boston side of things. Would Red Sox fans tolerate another gut-punch — losing Rafael Devers and then watching his replacement get flipped just weeks later? And of course, there's the health question. Bregman has been sidelined for six weeks with a quad injury. Can he be trusted to contribute reliably in the second half?

Hovering over all of it is the financial piece. Bregman’s three-year, $120 million deal includes a rare 10-year deferral, which would stay on the books for a decade. And while he does have an opt-out after this season that offers some flexibility, it also adds a layer of uncertainty. What exactly would the Mariners be trading for? A rental or a long-term piece?

Perhaps most intriguing is how Seattle would navigate the deferred money. This is a franchise that’s been careful about long-term financial obligations, choosing to extend only homegrown players like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh in recent seasons. Taking on Bregman's backloaded deal would be a major shift in philosophy — and a signal to fans that the Mariners are finally ready to put chips on the table and chase a title window with conviction.

It’s hard to argue Bregman wouldn’t be a good fit. Despite a shortened campaign, he’s raked when healthy — hitting .299 with a .385 OBP, .553 SLG, 11 home runs, and 35 RBIs. He’s shaken off the narrative of a decline for now and could slot into the middle of the lineup alongside Raleigh.

With the Mariners hinting at a willingness to stretch payroll and a postseason berth within reach, this kind of high-impact move could ignite a fanbase begging for more than just hope. It’s a familiar crossroads for this front office — but the kind that separates contenders from pretenders.

Whether Seattle makes the leap for Bregman or not, one thing is clear: the Mariners are becoming a team to watch as the trade market heats up.