5 replacements for the Mariners after the Ty France injury news

The less expensive, better first baseman that just makes too much sense

On the topic of more production and less prospect capital, let me introduce Christian Walker. Walker is one of the most underrated bats in baseball. Walker is well on pace to slug over 30 home runs for the third consecutive year. He is slashing .256/.344/.455 this year with an elite walk rate (11.3%) and a solid strikeout rate (25.2%). Walker has put up back-to-back four-win seasons (according to Fangraphs). Walker is also a significantly better defender than most other first baseman in baseball, being a two-time Gold Glove winner.

The Diamondbacks and Mariners have made numerous trades throughout the year and seem to lineup as trade partners again. This year, however, roles could be reversed. This year, the Mariners sit squarely in the playoff picture as they lead the AL West and Arizona is four games below .500 and 1.5 games back of the wild card. Sure, they could make a few moves in hopes of making a playoff push, but like the Mariners last year, they could look to sell players with less club control (maybe even Paul Sewald?). Hopefully!

Given Walker's age (33 years old) and the fact that he will be a free agent after this year, the capital to acquire him might not be that of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. I could see a prospect closer to the big leagues like Ben Williamson and another arm like a Michael Morales. They might also be interested in an outfielder like Jonatan Clase to pair with Corbin Carroll if they decide to move off Jake McCarthy. And that is a move I make 100% of the time if I am the Mariners.