Seattle Mariners: Five trade assets they have to move

Seattle Mariners: Five trade assets they have to move if they go into a full rebuild

By Jason Evans | Nov 7, 2018

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 3: Seattle Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto (R) talks with manager Scott Servais before a game between the Oakland Athletics and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on May 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners won the game 4-1. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Rob Leiter/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

James Paxton

One pitcher the Seattle Mariners can deal for a big return is the Big Maple, James Paxton. The 30-year old won’t be a free agent until 2021, however, now may be the perfect off-season the club to try and deal him.

Paxton is coming off a season where he pitched a career high in innings with 160.1 and strikeouts with 208.

Whoever loses out on Patrick Corbin, J. A. Happ, Dallas Keuchel or Nathan Eovaldi could pivot some assets into adding Paxton to the top of their rotation. Top of the rotation arms with team control don’t grow on trees and that kind of assets can land you multiple ones to start the rebuilding process.

The question with Paxton is the injury history. Last year’s 160.1 innings was the most he’s ever thrown and has dealt with injuries in the past. Can a team, who would pay a steep price to acquire him via trade, make him their ace?

Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees or even the San Diego Padres and others would certainly like to add this arm from the Seattle Mariners, into their rotation, whether they view him as the guy or not.

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