Could the Mariners Control the Deadline?

A palpable buzz surrounds the Mariners' young, controllable arms, a hot commodity this time of year. Logan Gilbert's name was floated around in media circles as a possible match with the St. Louis Cardinals, a team with many young, cost-controlled hitters. Last night, MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal doubled down on those rumors.

If the Mariners traded a starter, they would want the players they obtained, combined with the promotion of Emerson Hancock, to enhance their playoff odds. The Rays, Orioles, and Diamondbacks are among the contenders who could be a match.

While parting with Logan Gilbert or rookies Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller would be a tough pill to swallow, this team needs young bats because their high-upside hitting is buried in Single-A and below. They could trade the Gilbert for a more significant haul. The 26-year-old would come with four years of control, only hitting super two arbitration next season.

The former first-round pick would be one of the top pitchers available, allowing Hollander and Jerry Dipoto to increase the haul. How much could the Mariners receive in a trade with the Cardinals? MLB insider Jon Morosi said on MLB Network outfielder Lars Nootbar would be the starting point of a package that would and should include at least two more everyday players.

Mark Derosa joined MLB Central this morning and offered a hypothetical trade where the White Sox sent righthander Dylan Cease to the Orioles for infielder Jordan Westburg, outfielder Heston Kjerstad, and pitcher DL Hall. All of these players currently lie in Baltimore's top 10 prospect list. While Cease was a Cy Young finalist last season, comparisons between Gilbert and him exist even though the White Sox hurler has more service time. Just look at their stats over the past three seasons.

If this trade package is on the table, Dipoto and Hollander must take it. Westburg immediately fills your hole at second base, Kjerstad is a quality bat who can slide into the middle of your order, and Hall could be your number-five starter for the rest of the season.

This trade would infuse the major league roster with young talent to hold down the fort until prospects like Harry Ford, Gabriel Gonzalez, and Cole Young are ready. It'll hurt, but remember, you have to give up something to get something. Walter, we knew thee well, but best of luck in Baltimore.