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4 moves the Mariners could make to go all-in and become World Series favorites
The Mariners have made a view moves already. Here are 4 more that they could pull off to go all-in and become World Series favorites
Earlier this week, we had a historic night in Mariners' history. As the team is reeling and the fanbase and media are turning up the heat on leadership, they responded. Late Thursday night, Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander swung a deal for all-star outfielder and entertainer, Randy Arozarena.
The darling of the COVID bubble MLB playoffs, Randy put on a historic show, blasting 10 home runs and carrying the Tampa Bay Rays to game six of the World Series. Since then, he's been a star for the small market contenders, winning Rookie of the Year honors in 2021 and an all-star nod last year. He's also led the Rays to the playoffs every year he's been in the big leagues (even got there with St. Louis in 2019).
While he's had a rough start to the season, he's been playing like an all-star since June, and he's once again a threat for another 20HR/20SB season. He brings playoff experience, swagger and culture to a Mariners team that desperately needed a jolt and some leadership.
He should immediately slot in anywhere between the lead-off spot to the three hole depending on what else lies ahead before the trade deadline. Speaking of the deadline, I believe that the Mariners are happy with the addition of Arozarena, but are far from done when it comes to overhauling this offense.
I believe that the Mariners are preparing to go all in. Yesterday it was reported that Tai Peete and Michael Arroyo were not in their respective lineups. It's clear that they, along with probably more prospects, are currently being looked at for some big trades that could change the fortune of this once promising season.
So if Seattle is truly going all in, who's coming to Seattle next?
The flawed, but worth the risk good additions
You need stars to win championships, but you need a stable of good players to get to those moments when your stars can be stars. Texas got enough good play last year to sneak into the playoffs, and then their stars in Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and Marcus Semien took over.
Randy Arozarena is a borderline star, but Seattle still needs more depth and good players if they want to be in a position to hang some banners. So where can they find good, but maybe not great players?
We've heard names like Jazz Chisholm and Jonathan India floated out there. Both could step in and be immediate upgrades at multiple positions, even though India’s defense and ability to hit outside of Cincinnati is concerning.
Jazz is starting to heat up, and has made some spectacular plays recently in center field for the Marlins. Despite the potential fit and personality concerns, Jazz is a dynamic player who is under control for a few more years, is only 26, and may just need a change of scenery to unlock his potential. Jerry Dipoto has long coveted a Ben Zobrist type of player. Jazz will never be Ben Zobrist, but his bat should be a 115 OPS+ type player who can play all the outfield positions and spell at both shortstop and second base. Let him learn from Randy Arozarena and I believe this is a misunderstood star waiting to blossom.
Another route Dipoto could take, and a player we know he's coveted, is Matt Chapman. Ken Rosenthal recently reported the likelihood that San Francisco will be sellers at the trade deadline. Guys like Chapman, Jorge Soler, Michael Conforto, and Blake Snell may be on the block.
The Marines and Giants have a strong relationship, and while Chapman is under contract for 3 seasons, he does have an opt-out after this year. With a 4.3 WAR, a 112 OPS+, and strong percentile rankings, Chapman is very likely to opt out and chase a bigger deal. This could potentially (just like with Cody Bellinger of the Cubs) affect the return value of a player that is likely viewed as a rental.
Chapman would immediately take over at 3rd base and put Rojas into a battle with Jorge Polanco for playing time at 2B, which is probably a good thing for two struggling players.
Chapman has a higher ceiling for Seattle than Jazz right now, but the years of control and the financial impact of Randy Arozarena and a new Chapman contract next year seems a little unrealistic with this current ownership group.
Something along the lines of Tai Peete and Michael Morales should get a deal done for a player like Jazz, Chapman, or India.
I think there's a good chance one of these three guys are the next addition to Seattle, but they're not done yet. I believe this addition still allows them to go get a franchise-altering player.
Big Game Hunting
With the ability to acquire Arozarena without tapping into the top 6 of your farm system, Seattle still has plenty of ammo to go and shock the baseball world. With Tai Peete being the type of player to bring in your 3rd star of the deadline, you have arguably the second best treasure chest in baseball (behind Baltimore) to go and get a true star bat that can not only help you recapture the AL West lead, but also give you a legitimate shot to make a World Series run.
There are really only three realistic players on this list to me: Vladimir Guerrero Jr, Brent Rooker, and Luis Robert.
Luis Robert
Let's start with Robert. The uber talented, but fragile slugger for the White Sox would bring power and golf glove caliber defense that would give the Mariners arguably the most exciting duo in the outfield in all of baseball. He has multiple years of control left and is just entering his prime. All 29 other teams would be ecstatic to have him.
The problem though, is his trade demand is reportedly in the Juan Soto range. I love Luis Robert, but he's not Juan Soto, and should only be worth 70% of the price San Diego paid for the now Yankees star. Is Seattle willing to give up potentially two or three of their top five prospects for a talented player, but one who has serious injury risks? It may be the biggest and most riskiest move in their history of Seattle went all in on Robert.
There also seem to be some conflicting reports on the Mariners' interests. We know they asked about him during the Santos trade this winter, and that White Sox scouts have been to every nook and cranny of the Mariners organization, looking at players. A deal feels likely, but then Adam Jude of the Seattle Times posted on social media that Seattle acquiring Robert is highly unlikely at this point.
It feels to me that the bidding war for his services has gotten a little too high for Dipoto 's liking and that a trade for SS Paul DeJong (injury replacement for Crawford) or relief pitcher Michael Kopech feels more realistic at this point.
In the event a deal for Robert did come together, look for Ford, one of Young or Montes, Emerson Hancock, and Logan Evans to all be in on the deal, and even that may not be enough.
Brent Rooker
Brent Rooker came out of nowhere last year to become an all-star for Oakland. This year, he has become an absolute star while the A’s have been more respectable than in previous years. In a breakout year, Rooker is hitting .289 with an OPS of .944 with 19 doubles and 24 home runs. His OPS+ of 170 would have him in the MVP discussion in most years.
The 29 year old is making only $750k this season and is under club control through 2027. While he is a poorly graded defender in the outfield, he has a strong arm and the bat makes it worth it, but at this point he's mainly a DH.
For the Mariners, Rooker is not a perfect fit, but the bat is perfect for T-Mobile Park, and we know he loves hitting in Seattle. With the years of control, the salary, and the absolute heater that Rooker is on after the all-star break, he's going to cost a hefty price, especially with Oakland being a division rival.
Oakland has stated they want to keep Rooker, but I'd be surprised if they truly view him as the face of the eventual Las Vegas team. The right amount and quality of prospects will talk for a team that's 2-3 years away still.
If a deal was done, assuming the M’s have to pay a rivalry tax, I’d expect one of Cole Young/Harry Ford and Laz Montes will be the headliner of a package that includes three or four total prospects.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Vladimir Guerrero feels like a perfect fit. The former MVP runner up is having one of his best seasons yet, even though Toronto has fallen out of the race. At just 25, Guerrero is hitting .296 with an OPS of .846 and 20 home runs. His Savant page is smothered in red, with a 98th percentile exit velocity and hard hit rate to go along with just a 15.8% strikeout rate.
His ability to play both 1st and 3rd base make him extremely valuable at two spots of need for Seattle. Speaking of need, there may not be a better match for a trade in baseball than between the Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle. The Blue Jays are about to see their entire roster of catchers hit free agency, and that position is arguably their most shallow in the minors. This team is in desperate need for a catcher, and Seattle could provide that. There are few prospects in baseball that may be more valuable to Toronto than Harry Ford, but what else will be needed to sway a franchise that doesn’t want to trade their best and most beloved player?
In a projected trade, I'd have Guerrero coming to Seattle in exchange for Harry Ford, Michael Arroyo and a lottery ticket prospect. That's two top 100 prospects and two guys that fit positions that are unclear going forward for Toronto, as the Bo Bichette situation seems close to a separation this winter.
The deal makes too much sense, but alas, Toronto seems hell bent on trying to keep Guerrero in Toronto long term. I believe Vladdy will be traded, just in the winter. If I’m wrong, and Vladdy ends up in Seattle, look out! If the Mariners were to complement their historic pitching staff with Randy Arozarena, Jazz Chisholm and Vladimir Guerrero Jr, then they will have a true championship contender ready to rock.