This intriguing Mariners-Orioles trade still might not be enough for Jerry Dipoto

Since the start of the Seattle Mariners' offseason, Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander have received interest in their starting pitching. Given the need to improve offense and address infield concerns, it makes sense for the Mariners to move one of their pitchers.

One of the pitchers we've discussed was Luis Castillo, and the Red Sox initially expressed interest in acquiring him. But it appears the talks fell apart when Boston introduced a sort of salary swap with Masataka Yoshida.

While that trade is unlikely, Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report created other Mariners trade scenarios that address team concerns. Miller's seventh and final idea is an intriguing one for Seattle fans.

Mariners trade proposal: Castillo to Baltimore Orioles for Ryan Mountcastle and Alex Pham

On paper, this is a good trade for Seattle. The Mariners need a first baseman next season, and Mountcastle has proven to be a productive player since debuting in 2020. Last year, Baltimore was interested in trading Mountcastle at the deadline if they were able to fill other needs on the roster.

Additionally, Mountcastle is a free agent for 2027, so he could be the Mariners starting first baseman for the next two seasons while Tyler Locklear continues to develop. Pham is Baltimore's 24th-ranked prospect and the organization's No. 6-ranked pitching prospect.

But is this enough for Dipoto to make a deal with Mike Elias? We don't believe it is. 

Sending Castillo to Baltimore for Mountcastle is a start, but Dipoto might want to consider adding additional outfield depth in the minors. The Mariners have two outfielders on various top 15 prospects lists. The Orioles have seven, headlined by Vance Honeycutt and Enrique Bradfield Jr.

One prospect that Dipoto might inquire about is Braylin Tavera, the 15th-ranked prospect in Baltimore's system. Tavera has five-tool potential with plus speed if he puts everything together. Given how buried he is on the prospect list, Tavera could be had in a potential deal.

Miller's trade proposal between the Mariners and the Orioles is a good proposal on paper and one Dipoto and Hollander should gauge interest in. Fans should like the addition of Pham in the trade as a future contributor, whether as a starter or a reliever. However, Dipoto may consider adding outfield depth from Baltimore to continue building for the future.