Mariners should only trade George Kirby for these game-changing players

As the MLB trade deadline draws near, the buzz surrounding George Kirby continues to grow. Despite reports that the Seattle Mariners have no intention of trading any of their young starters like Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, or Bryce Miller, the front office still needs to make moves to strengthen the roster and increase its chances of making a playoff run.

The Mariners' biggest needs remain a right-handed bat and at least one reliable right-handed reliever. If Seattle were to decide to capitalize on the trade speculation surrounding Kirby, it would have to be for a player capable of making an immediate impact on the franchise. The following are the only types of players worth considering in a deal that would say goodbye to one of the club's cornerstone pitchers.

3 players the Mariners could target in a George Kirby trade that would transform the team right away

RHP Mason Miller, San Diego Padres

Even with Matt Brash expected to return next month, the Mariners could still use another dominant late-inning arm. Two-time All-Star closer Andrés Muños has looked much better on the mound lately, but Seattle still needs more depth if they hope to keep its bullpen fresh leading up to and throughout a postseason push.

One player who would instantly transform the bullpen is Mason Miller. As one of the best closers in baseball, Miller owns a 0.79 ERA with 85 strikeouts in 45.5 innings pitched. His 49.1% strikeout rate leads all qualified relievers, while his elite metrics put him in the 100th percentile in categories such as fastball velocity, hard-hit rate, and expected ERA (xERA). A bullpen with both Muñoz and Miller would be dominant.

SS CJ Abrams, Washington Nationals

The Washington Nationals are in need of rotation help, and George Kirby would provide a reliable anchor for years to come. In return, the Mariners could benefit from acquiring shortstop CJ Abrams.

Abrams has taken steps forward offensively, driving in 82 runs while already setting a career high of 27 homers. His .561 slugging percentage across 449 plate appearances puts him alongside the league's most productive hitters. Despite being a left-handed bat, he would provide Seattle with what it has been searching for while offering value in the middle of the infield.

Unfortunately, the biggest obstacle is cost. Reporting from ESPN's Buster Olney indicates the Nationals are asking for an "extremely high" return for the 25-year-old, making it unlikely they move him before the deadline. However, if Kirby were ever involved in a blockbuster, Abrams is the type of player Seattle should be looking at.

SS Otto Lopez, Miami Marlins

A recent 12-game losing streak has left the Miami Marlins in a tough position, one that means trades that were previously off the table just might be considered.

One possibility includes shortstop Otto Lopez, as reported by Will Sammon, Katie Woo and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The right-handed hitter is batting .328 while providing value elsewhere. Lopez is a well-rounded player who combines speed, power, and strong defense. He has stolen 22 bases and owns an incredible 13.6% strikeout rate. His 5.3 bWAR over 105 games confirms just how impactful he has been on both sides of the ball.

Lopez may not carry the same status as some of the other names on this list, but he does fit what Seattle has been searching for with his athleticism and right-handed hitting that consistently puts the ball in play while contributing to the team defensively.

Mariners shouldn't take their eye off the ultimate game-changer in a potential George Kirby trade

CF Byron Buxton, Minnesota Twins

Byron Buxton provides just what the Mariners have been searching for. The elite right-handed power bat offers solid defense in center field. His .864 OPS ranks him above league average, and his 25 home runs currently place him among the league's leaders. Pairing Buxton with Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena would solidify Seattle's outfield.

There are concerns, however, with Buxton's health. He has struggled to stay off the IL throughout his career, and just landed back on it on Wednesday. While he remains an interesting trade candidate, Seattle would certainly want assurance that his season isn't over before pursuing any kind of deal. Even then, Buxton's no-trade clause, combined with his injury history, makes it unlikely that the veteran will find himself anywhere but Minnesota.

However unlikely a Buxton trade may be, it sets the standard for Seattle. If the Mariners are going to part ways with George Kirby, it has to be for a player who can offer a similar impact to what Buxton has to offer when healthy, even if that player isn't Buxton himself.

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