Mariners might have to defy Jerry Dipoto assertion if big spending is off the table

Jerry Dipoto has remained steadfast in the assertion that the Seattle Mariners will not trade from one of the best pitching staffs in the game, something that is a polarizing topic among fans. On one hand, it's the strength of the team. From the ballpark to the relatively solid defense, this team is built on pitching and dominating the strike zone. On the other hand, their pitchers are so good that acquiring them could fetch a legitimate bat to anchor this team, like they have been searching for.

To no surprise, Mariners' owner John Stanton stated that payroll will increase this upcoming year. Without giving specifics, this seemed like a given, with guys like George Kirby, Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, and Logan Gilbert all getting raises in arbitration.

Unfortunately for Mariners fans (and Jerry Dipoto), we have heard this all before, only to be left disappointed and angered at the types of moves that had to be made to fit within this budget. The team had to trade Eugenio Suarez (who fans and Dipoto would've loved to have manning third base this year) and Marco Gonzales to free up money. Hopefully similar salary dumps aren't required this offseason.

While the payroll is expected to increase, Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times did note that a major free agent splash move shouldn't be expected. Where does this leave the team then?

The Mariners have likely explored moving prospects for proven talent, but with the expansion of the playoffs, there are few teams willing to accept a full rebuild, making this type of trade pretty difficult since the clientele has narrowed. If you can't trade prospects and aren't willing to make any significant additions via free agency, you may be forced to do something that you haven't wanted to for a while.

Jerry Dipoto may be forced to trade one of the Mariners talented young starting pitchers

This could be the season that the Mariners are finally forced to trade one of their talented pitchers, no matter how much Dipoto says that it is "Plan Z". Doing so would be a bold move by Seattle as few trades have worked out (and we know what this pitching staff can do).

Any team trading for one of the Mariners starting pitchers (likely Gilbert or Luis Castillo due to salary obligations) will likely hope to send prospects to Seattle, something that this farm system doesn't need. The number of teams that have proven major league talent with club control and at a relatively low salary is minimal. Teams like Baltimore may be willing to part with some of their young offense in hopes of solidifying their rotation, but it likely comes down to unproven major leaguers like Coby Mayo or Heston Kjerstad. These guys are exciting, but this team needs offense it can count on.

The Mariners have developed pitching at an elite rate and have replenished it with their most recent draft class. They currently have guys like Emerson Hancock, Logan Evans and Brandyn Garcia ready to take over a back-end rotation spot. Dipoto may not want to trade one of his young, controllable starters, but if he has any hope of making this offense better, he might be forced to do just that.