Seattle Mariners targeting Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ
By Chase Meili
The Seattle Mariners are interested in Toronto Blue Jays pitcher J.A. Happ, looking to make a push to the MLB postseason for the first time in 17 years.
As the 2018 MLB trade Deadline nears a month away, the Seattle Mariners are suddenly in a position to make the playoffs for the first time since 2001. The pitching staff outside of its ace, Felix Hernandez, was a question mark for the M’s entering the season.
But with a breakout season from left-handed pitcher James Paxton and consistency from Mike Leake and Wade LeBlanc, the rotation has stayed intact. But with the postseason within legitimate plausibility, a deadline-move for another starting pitcher seems inevitable.
This year’s market for starting pitchers at the deadline seems to be bleak with only a handful of pitchers who could make a significant impact.
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As reported by Jon Morosi of MLB.com, current Blue Jays pitcher, J.A. Happ is being perused avidly by the Seattle Mariners. Happ is currently in the final season of a 3yr/36 million which he is due about 7.3 million for the remaining portion of the season.
With other trade options that include popular names such as Degrom and Archer, the asking price would seem to be much too high for the Mariners.
But a 35-year-old Happ with playoff experience and only a few months left on his contract looks like a better option. With the trade acting as a rental, a minimal risk is involved.
At a very reasonable price, Happ is performing above expectations. In 91.0 innings on the season, Happ has pitched to a 9-3 record with a 3.56 ERA.
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A seasoned veteran, pitching for five different teams over the course of 10+ years, J.A. Happ has consistently been a middle of the rotation arm which could be just what the Seattle Mariners need.