Seattle Mariners
The Seattle Mariners would love to trade Dee Gordon and his contract. If the Cincinnati Reds were willing to take on that deal, they may even be able to address their needs at catcher.
Gordon is not much of a hitter, producing a .275/.304/.359 batting line that made even Freddy Galvis seem to be a respectable hitter by comparison. However, Gordon does still have excellent speed, managing 22 steals last season. As Akiyama is an unknown, having a top of the lineup type of hitter could make a difference.
Chances are, if the Reds took on Gordon’s entire deal, the Mariners would send other pieces their way to make it worth their while. A prospect or two would be likely, but Omar Narvaez has also been mentioned as a possible trade candidate. His .278/.353/.460 batting line with 22 homers would fit perfectly in the middle of the lineup, although he is not nearly the defensive option that Tucker Barnhart has been.
The Mariners could be looking for help at second and in center. Gordon, although he was primarily a shortstop entering the majors, has spent most of his time recently at second. Mallex Smith just has not hit enough to be anything more than a fourth outfielder. While Gordon could potentially head back to his original position in Cincinnati, a player like Senzel could be attractive to the Mariners.
If the Cincinnati Reds are willing to take on some salary, there may be a fit with the Seattle Mariners. It may take a leap of faith to put Dee Gordon back at short, but there was one needed to put Mike Moustakas at second.