Trade Deadline Preview: Seattle Mariners
By Aaron Somers
Jun 21, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Chris Young (53) delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
Who could be moved:
1. Justin Smoak
The caveat here is just how healthy is Smoak? He’s been sidelined since early June with a strained calf and it’s unclear when he’ll return to the lineup. At this point, he may be best suited for a change of scenery. Smoak has failed to live up to expectations ever since arriving in Seattle and it’s becoming clear that he’s no longer part of the organization’s future. He is still just 27 but is in the midst of his fifth disappointing season and his salary will continue to rise through arbitration. Smoak may even be an early non-tender candidate at this point, so why wouldn’t the Mariners look to move him if they can?
2. Brad Miller or Nick Franklin
Neither Miller or Franklin has emerged as the team’s ideal shortstop moving forward. Both have struggled at the plate, though Miller has certainly received more of an opportunity to date than Franklin. With the number of teams looking for help in the middle infield, might it make sense to move one of the two now when the Mariners still can? Franklin would appear to be the more likely candidate, given the team’s preference to use Miller and their unwillingness to keep Franklin around as an option off the bench. He’s been hitting well at Triple-A and while he remains unproven against major league pitchers, he still may bring back a reasonable return to justify moving him.
3. Chris Young
Pitching has carried this Mariners team, so why would they look to move one of their starters? Mainly because of the guys returning from injury, giving the team depth to withstand such a move. Walker makes his season debut on Monday and both James Paxton and Blake Beaven could potentially return in the coming weeks. Getting those two back into the mix before the deadline could free up the Mariners to flip Young, while he’s pitching well, to address another need. With Brandon Maurer and Erasmo Ramirez still in tow, plus other arms in the upper minor leagues, the team would appear to be in prime position to handle dealing from that depth.