Padres' dynamic new sparkplug is salt in the wound for Mariners' recent trade history

The Mariners have been up against it recently, with a ridiculous barrage of injuries contributing to a run of just five wins in their past 13 games and a disappointing overall record of 38-37. They sure could use a spark of energy, but what if we tell you they actually had a player capable of just this and then lost him? We're referring to Samad Taylor, who has galvanized his new teammates in San Diego.

Taylor elected for free agency back in January, after the Mariners designated him for assignment and he cleared waivers. He didn't have to wait long before the Padres came calling and signed him to a minor league deal, which included an invite to spring training. And to say he's having a positive impact is putting it mildly.

The 2016 10th-round draft pick started the season in Triple-A El Paso and looked tremendous, highlighted by batting .319 with a .906 OPS in 51 games. In fairness though he's always performed well at this level, including hitting .296 with a .839 OPS over 137 games last season in Tacoma. However, it's what he's now doing in the majors with the Padres which has helped his reputation.

Samad Taylor proving to be the energizer bunny, a la Josh Naylor

Similar to the impact Josh Naylor had following his trade to the Mariners last July, Taylor has been the man for the Padres since they called him up on June. 3. He's batting .343 with a .867 OPS and 143 OPS+, while also showing off his electric speed with four stolen bases. Sure it's only a small sample size of 10 games, but the team is extremely grateful for what he's been doing.

What's really helping Taylor show more of what he's capable of, is the Padres giving him full license to express himself. As per AJ Cassavell of MLB.com, Padres manager Craig Stammen's only request when he called the 27-year-old up, was to just continue being himself. Stammen appreciates that he's always upbeat, no matter what the score or the situation is.

Yep, Taylor sounds exactly like the kind of player the Mariners could use at the moment. What makes it more frustrating is that the reason he was even designated for assignment in the first place, was to make room on the roster after trading for Yosver Zulueta. That would be the same Yosver Zulueta who was sent to the Cubs on Monday in exchange for cash considerations, after stinking up the joint in Triple-A Tacoma with a 5.75 ERA and 1.770 WHIP in 20.1 innings over 22 appearances.

We acknowledge any regret over losing Taylor is done with that wonderful benefit of hindsight. Back when he left for San Diego, we noted his ongoing struggle to find a place to settle, with the Padres being his fifth organization. Well, it's still early days but the signs are promising that he has finally found a home and while we wish he was still Seattle, we genuinely hope he continues to have good luck.

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