MLB insider floats a Mariners trade candidate who's almost too perfect

With the greatest of respect to the newly acquired Buddy Kennedy, he's likely not the answer to solving the Mariners' desperate need for a quality right-handed bat, particularly against lefties. And we do mean desperate, highlighted by the Rob Refsnyder experiment officially being a disaster. Interestingly though, a better solution could involve the M's going straight back to the Giants organization to ask about Casey Schmitt.

MLB Network's Jon Morosi made an appearance on Seattle Sports with Dave Wyman and Bob Stelton, to discuss the Mariners' trade deadline needs. Unsurprisingly, Morosi talked about the team's struggles against southpaw pitches and zeroed in on the right-handed platoon bats, including Refsnyder and Victor Robles. He mentioned a few potential targets, but was specifically complimentary about Schmitt.

The thinking is that the Giants will be sellers, with them currently well off the pace for a wild card spot with the third-worst record in the National League. Schmitt makes for an enticing option. He's on course for a career-year, with projected single-season bests of a .290/.316/.508 slash line, .825 OPS, 132 OPS+ and 128 wRC+.

Casey Schmitt has been a terror versus left-handed pitchers in 2026

However, it's what Schmitt is doing against left-handed pitching specifically, which should entice the Mariners to get in touch with the Giants. With him hitting .357, this is far above the M's team .205 batting average versus southpaws, which is worst in the majors. Sure his .368 OBP might allude to being a swinger, but when the results are a .524 slugging percentage and .892 OPS, we're sure M's fans could live with it.

In fact, we're 99.9 percent sure (not legally binding) the Mariners fanbase would be open to adding Schmitt, given how exasperated they are with Refsnyder specifically, but also the lineup in general. Also, SoDo Mojo's Zachary Rymer was on him as a potential target in May.

The question is, how willing would the Giants be to actually allow the 27-year-old to leave?

On the evidence of his productivity this season, it seems Schmitt is finally fulfilling his potential after being being taken by the Giants in the second round of the 2020 draft. Now combine his age with being controlled through 2029, and he could be tough to acquire. However, if you're Buster Posey and you can't move Rafael Devers, Matt Chapman or Willy Adames, perhaps you sell high on Schmitt as a means to get some value.

We appreciate the Mariners also need to find quality bullpen help between now and Aug. 3, but it shouldn't be to the detriment of a quality right-handed bat. Ultimately, the fanbase is hoping the M's will be as aggressive as they were ahead of last season's trade deadline.

And if they need any more persuasion to pursue Schmitt, keep in mind he's one of those versatile players Dipoto loves so much, with Major League experience at all four infield positions and the left outfield. Game, set, match.

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