3 Potential Trade Targets for the Mariners This Off-Season

The Mariners need more consistency in their lineup. After Shohei Ohtani, the free-agent market for impact bats drastically falls off. Could the Mariners trade for an impact bat?

Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets - Game Two
Philadelphia Phillies v New York Mets - Game Two | Adam Hunger/GettyImages
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Paul Goldschmidt
Philadelphia Phillies v St. Louis Cardinals | Dilip Vishwanat/GettyImages

3. Paul Goldschmidt, 1B (St. Louis Cardinals)

Paul Goldschmidt has been a quiet star in the league for almost all of his career. While he did not repeat his 2022 MVP numbers, Goldy still had a great season. He hit .268, with 25 Home Runs, and drove in 80. He even stole 11 bases last season. Goldy just celebrated his 36th birthday, and he is entering a contract season. He is due to make $22,000,000 in the 2024 season.

The main question here is: "Will the Cardinals even consider moving on from Paul Goldschmidt?" I think they would have to consider it, at least. The Cardinals absolutely struggled in 2023. They had a record of 71-91, good enough for last in the National League Central. The offense was not bad in 2023, but their pitching staff may have been the worst in the league. And moving on from a 36-year-old first baseman entering his contract year while he still has value seems like the right answer.

Like I said, Paul is not 25 years old anymore. Plus, he will cost quite a bit of young talent to acquire. What he brings to the table is stability at the first base position. He is a former MVP, Silver Slugger award winner and a 4 time Gold Glove winner. He has played in at least 151 games every season since 2015 (except for 2020, in a 60 game season). Paul is a plug and play type, and he will absolutely be a welcomed addition to the Mariners lineup.

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