A division rival has a big arm on the trade block. Should the Mariners pounce?
The Mariners' pitching this season has been nails this season, the offense has left something to be desired, but there are three keys in the cog. The bullpen still needs arms. With Matt Brash being moved to the 60 day injured list, The Mariners are going to be without a keystone of the bullpen for awhile.
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The man with a big sweeper and a heater that makes batters sweat is going to be out for an extended period of time. Matt Brash was expected to be a big piece in this year's bullpen. A 1-2 punch of Brash and Andres Munoz was going to be lights out for this year's Mariners team. However, there is a reliever on the market from a division rival that not only helps this year but in years to come.
Should the Mariners trade for Mason Miller?
The Oakland Athletics have a young closer that is lighting up the league, Mason Miller. Posting a 1.1 WAR through the first month of the season and already being floated as a Rookie Of The Year Candidate. Why would Oakland trade him? Well, Oakland is still rebuilding and needs more than a lights-out closer. Young, controllable pitching is a hot commodity in MLB and costs a premier price to acquire if teams don't get it organically through the draft or international free agent signings.
The Mariners need a high-leverage reliever, with Matt Brash and Gregory Santos being out. Gabe Speier has been a godsend for this team, but the team needs another arm with the other two being out. Not to mention, Tayler Saucedo is going to be out for a while with his hyper-extended knee, and has played a pivotal role in the pitching staff's overall success. Now, they've traded away Tyson Miller as well. Why not bring in another Miller to replace him?
Enter Mason Miller. The young reliever from the Oakland Athletics. At 25 years old, the young man is dealing. 16.1 innings pitched with 33 strikeouts to go along with a sparkling 1.10 ERA. Miller won't be a free agent until 2030 and as a reliever, probably won't command much as a reliever in arbitration. This fits the Mariners' plan. However Mason Miller won't come cheap, but the Mariners have the capital to meet the needs of the Oakland Athletics.
The Mariners trade their number #11, #12 and #30 prospect to the Athletics for a rookie reliever, Ryan Bliss is the big headliner here. After coming over in the Paul Sewald trade, Bliss was kind of the lottery ticket for the Mariners. However, flipping Bliss for Miller helps the team now and in the future as the Mariners have strong prospects coming that overtake Bliss. The likes of Cole Young and Colt Emerson. If the Mariners can make this trade happen, it's a must do for the team to compete late into the postseason.