Seattle Mariners should pursue trade for Diamondbacks' first baseman Christian Walker

One name that recently came up in Mariners' trade conversations is Diamondbacks first baseman Christian Walker, according to Jim Bowden, from the Athletic. While the Diamondbacks have played better recently, including putting together a four-game winning streak before the All-Star break, they still trail the Dodgers by seven games in the NL West. The D-Backs are also one game back in the NL Wild Card race with seven teams within 3.5 games of each other vying for the last two wild card spots.

Considering the D-Backs did make the World Series coming out of the wild card door last year, they may not be as compelled to trade a star such as Christian Walker. However, Walker is in the final year of his contract with the D-Backs and he is 33 years old. One bad week could further put the D-Backs' playoff hopes in jeopardy. With so many teams on the NL side competing for just two wild card spots, there is a possibility the D-Backs could buy and sell at the deadline as the Mariners did last year.

The Mariners should go after Christian Walker

The Mariners have a few pieces this year in which the D-Backs could be interested. Tyler Locklear can play first base and has continued to progress well through the Mariners farm system making several big league starts at first with Ty France out. Also, the Mariners have a starting pitcher in Emerson Hancock with years of club control who has been stuck in Tacoma after making several spot starts in place of Bryan Woo.

Hancock would certainly give the D-Backs a player they would be interested in. He is a pitcher with club control who will not be a free agent until after the 2029 season. The Diamondbacks rotation has been decimated by injuries this season with Merrill Kelly and Jordan Montgomery suffering injuries and missing extended time. Pitcher Emerson Hancock will be an interesting trade chip for the Mariners at this year's trade deadline and could be floated in other trades.

Trading for Christian Walker will likely require the Mariners to provide them with players who can contribute right away. Both Tyler Locklear and Emerson Hancock must go together to complete a trade such as this. Since the D-Backs do not currently have a first baseman behind Walker, and him being at the end of his contract, Locklear going over in this deal provides them with a controllable bat. A steep asking price, but also when considering how good Christian Walker is, a fair deal.

The impact of adding Christian Walker would be significant. Walker has slashed .264/.343/.495, with 22 HR, and 66 RBI this season. This trade would not only bolster the Mariners' lineup but keep the Astros from dealing for Walker, as they seek first-base options. A deal such as this between the D- and Mariners, would be similar to the Paul Sewald trade last year. Trading for Christian Walker would be a wise option for the Mariners to consider given their options at this year's deadline.