Is it time to welcome a former Mariners prospect back into the outfield fold?

The Mariners have been blessed with Julio Rodriguez. Even though the young star is off to a slow start this season, Julio will produce at the level expected of him. With Dominic Canzone on the IL, the corner outfield spots have been spotty. Mitch Haniger was traded for and has been average at best. Haniger's leadership and love for this team can't be questioned. Does a former Mariners prospect make sense for this current team?

Tyler O'Neill is the man in question. A Gold Glove winner and currently tied for fifth in the American League homerun lead, along with Cal Raleigh, his nine homers would provide a huge spark to the Seattle offense. The 28-year-old outfielder has some injury history but is proving his worth this season. Currently playing for a Boston team that already is looking like sellers early in the season, O'Neill is a must-get.

The Mariners must jump on trading for Tyler O'Neill early

O'Neill, if he keeps producing at his current rate is going to cost a pretty penny. It would be smart of the Mariners to trade from a position of strength to acquire him. Emerson Hancock is the arm I'd trade for the Boston outfielder. Boston is in a rebuild and young controllable starting pitching is a great way to accelerate that process. The Mariners are a perfect example of Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo.

The problem with this trade is Tyler O'Neill is driving his value up. Earlier in the offseason, O'Neill was probably easier to grab for the Mariners. After the torrid pace he has been on, the Mariners really missed out. Luckily, Emerson Hancock has kept some prospect value, even with his latest start against the Twins. Jerry and Justin would be smart to look into a trade for a former Mariners top prospect, even if it cost an arm for the rotation, to help the offense and a pitching staff that just got Bryan Woo back.