Detroit Tigers: Four potential landing spots for J.D. Martinez
By Travis Koch
Seattle Mariners
Thank goodness for the wildcard spots. The American League West has been dominated by the Houston Astros, however, the Mariners, Rangers, and Angels remain in contention for the two wildcard slots. Focusing on the Seattle Mariners, the team is starting to regain their starting pitching. Felix Hernandez is two starts into his return from the DL, James Paxton is back, and Hisashi Iwakuma should return soon. The health of the starting rotation is key in convincing the Mariners that they have a legitimate run in them. They can now act as buyers in the trade market.
Seattle’s weaknesses lie in the outfield and at first base. The outfield has held up okay this season, but it could certainly be improved upon. Outfielders Jarrod Dyson and Ben Gamel have each played in 70+ games this year for the M’s. Each have been effective in their own way, though neither compare offensively to J.D. Martinez.
Martinez could take over at either corner outfield position. He would weaken the outfield defense and would obviously force either Dyson or Gamel to the bench, but that is simply the price a team must pay for a premier bat. The Mariners could make it work. Dyson could still play the bulk of the games in centerfield, or act as a defensive replacement for Martinez in the late innings. If the team wants their current outfield to ever act as a unit again, then they can perhaps work J.D. Martinez into the first base mix. Danny Valencia has underperformed to this point and Martinez could find a way to at least blend in at first base.
Ultimately, the Seattle Mariners need J.D. Martinez to help add depth to their offense. For years now, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, and Kyle Seager have carried the offense. Newcomer Jean Segura has been outstanding this season at the leadoff spot, but they need some help towards the bottom of the order. Martinez could join the Mariners and bat anywhere from second to sixth. We could potentially see a lineup in which Cano, Cruz, Martinez, and Seager bat in order. Whether you like the trade or not, that is one intimidating lineup.