What a Mariners and Astros mega-trade could look like between AL West rivals

The potential for glory 

In the present, it would send a clear shockwave to not just the team and fanbase, but all of baseball, that the Mariners have officially arrived. They don't just want a division title, they want to get to the World Series and win the whole damn thing. Losing the future of Miller, Ford, and Arroyo will sting in the long run, but what Tucker and Verlander can add today is immeasurable.

A dynamic duo of Tucker and Julio, both at the plate and in the field, massively improves the Seattle Mariners. That's the type of duo that won't back down to Soto and Judge, or Gunnar and Adley. Tucker in the two-hole brings out the best in Julio and is the kind of player that could get these offensive rankings from the high twenties to the high teens, which is really all that is needed with their pitching.

Speaking of pitching, who starts in a potential playoff series? You could give the ball to Justin Verlander, one of the greatest playoff performers of all time. Or you could give it to Luis Castillo or George Kirby, who both looked magnificent in 2022 in October. Don't forget that the two best pitchers on the team currently are Bryan Woo and Logan Gilbert! 

The options are endless and overflowing with talent. The Mariners would have the horses and the experience to attack whoever stood in their way in October, while riding the bats of Tucker and Julio.

The best part of this deal? You get two cracks at it, and you're not destroying your future. Even if Verlander retires, or Tucker leaves in free agency, you still have one of the best rotations in baseball and one of the best farms still. 

Go all in, end the Astros and go win the World Series.