MLB insider's persuasive Mariners-Orioles trade proposal is a risk Seattle must take

Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles
Detroit Tigers v Baltimore Orioles | G Fiume/GettyImages

With spring training approaching rapidly, the Seattle Mariners find themselves in a familiar holding pattern. Despite a shortlist of mild offseason moves— including the recent acquisition of Donovan Solano, who apparently is not intended to be used at second base — questions about the infield are still looming as the team looks ahead to the 2025 season.

More complicating is the front office’s reluctance to open the checkbook for big-ticket free agents. This leaves them in a position where “pay to play” means dealing from elsewhere: their young pitching.

New trade proposal involving Mariners and Orioles emerges

Not too long ago, a Giants insider provided trade idea involving Mariners and Luis Castillo. But a new idea from MLB insider Jim Bowden recently crafted a proposal that would send rising pitcher Bryan Woo to the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for corner infielder Coby Mayo. At first glance, it’s the kind of trade that could make Mariners fans cringe. Woo is a super talented, homegrown arm with big upside. But with Seattle needing a power boost and help on the corner infield, Bowden’s idea could potentially bear more fruit than one might think.

Who is Orioles top prospect Coby Mayo?

Mayo, a 23-year-old from Coral Springs, Florida, has a small sample size of 17 Major League games under his belt, with most of them coming at third base. Sure, his brief MLB appearance doesn’t jump off the page, but that’s not at all unusual for a player making his debut. Where Mayo has truly shined is with his minor league track record, and his overall intangibles.

Standing 6-foot-5 and weighing 230 pounds, Mayo is a versatile infielder capable of handling both third and first base. The Mariners would theoretically have their pick on where to place him. Despite spending much of his time in Norfolk — a pitcher-friendly ballpark — Coby Mayo’s 2024 power surge (25 home runs, 73 RBI) was far from a one-hit wonder. In 2023, he also dominated Double-A pitching, earned a promotion to Triple-A, and wrapped up the season with 29 homers and 99 RBI. His bat has proven to be consistent across levels, and if that power translates to the Majors, the Mariners could be looking at a long-term cornerstone infielder.

How much would it cost the Mariners to trade for Coby Mayo?

Acquiring a young, controllable slugger with this kind of potential won’t come cheap. The Mariners aren’t looking to add payroll, so a move of this kind almost certainly involves sending out valuable talent in return. With no shortage of pitching, Bowden’s suggestion points directly at Woo — a sacrifice many Mariners fans would rather avoid.

However, Seattle finds itself blessed with riches of pitching. If Woo were moved without bringing in another starter, the team could slot a valuable asset like Emerson Hancock or another top prospect into the fifth spot in the rotation. The Mariners have built a reputation on developing strong arms, and while parting with Woo would sting, it may be the proper price to upgrade a lackluster offense.

What should the Mariners do?

If the Mariners want to improve their roster and stay competitive in 2025, they’ll have to give something up, especially since they've refused to swing big in free agency.

Could the Mariners make a sneaky trade to help out the Baltimore Orioles? Depends where you stand. But you have to give to get in impact trades, and there's no doubt the Mariners are at a point where they cannot afford to sacrifice offensive production any longer. And if Seattle is serious about taking the next step, a bold move now could pay dividends for years to come.

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