Latest Mariners' roster move makes offseason third base trade look like total failure
The Mariners traded away from a position of strength to address third base in the offseason, but the latest roster move makes it look like a total failure
![Apr 29, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman Luis Urias (16) walks off the field after an at-bat against the Atlanta Braves at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,w_4500,h_2531,x_0,y_0/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/65/01hzjbz03d7s261tm7ft.jpg)
One of the biggest strengths of the Mariners over the last few years has been finding pieces for their bullpen. They're able to take call-ups, castoffs, and unknowns and turn them into strong pieces. One of the more recent versions of this was Isaiah Campbell. The starter turned reliever ended up as a strong piece for the Mariners in 2023, and was a good member of their bullpen to finish out the year.
They used that strength to try and address some of the needs that have plagued the team for a while, as the Mariners (as we all know) have struggled to find offense. Third base was locked down for a long time with Kyle Seager, but it's been a rotating door since he retired. The hope was that Luis Urias would be able to solve that conundrum, who the Marienrs acquired from the Red Sox in exchange for Luis Urias.
Luis Urias has cleared waivers and been outrighted to the Mariners AAA Tacoma Rainiers
Well, instead that saga has come to a close, and a disappointing one at that. The Mariners got a literal negative from Urias's play, as he posted a -0.2 WAR this season for them. It cleared the way for more playing time for the likes of Josh Rojas, Dylan Moore, and even Ryan Bliss, all who have performed better than Urias.
With the news that the Mariners were signing Victor Robles to the team, a corresponding move had to be made. That was removing Urias from the 40-man, where he passed through waivers to be outrighted to AAA.
It's disheartening to see, as the Mariners solely need a good bat in their lineup. The bright spot you can take from it is that Campbell was awful for the Sox, and sent to AAA as well, even though they do have a good amount of player control left with him.
Trader Jerry doesn't lose many trades, but this is definitely one that he and Justin Hollander are going to want to forget. Still, best of luck to Luis Urias, and here is to hoping that he figures it out in AAA.
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