Seattle Mariners: Matt Brash on the move by trade deadline?

If the Seattle Mariners make a move at the MLB trade deadline, could Matt Brash be one of the assets needed in order to make the deal happen? One writer covering the Mariners says it’s a possibility … and maybe a bigger one than you might think.

Seattle Mariners trade talk: Could Matt Brash be on the move at the MLB trade deadline?

In an article for The Athletic (subscription required) focusing on predictions for the upcoming MLB trade deadline, Seattle Mariners beat writer Corey Brock makes a bold prediction, writing, “The Mariners will deal either outfielder Jarred Kelenic or pitcher Matt Brash on or by the trade deadline.”

We have talked before about the possibility of Kelenic being a part of an active trade deadline in the Pacific Northwest, but Brash as a potential trade chip to be used by Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto is a bit of a new thought, particularly with all of the buzz surrounding Brash before he made his MLB debut on April 12 in a road game against the Chicago White Sox.

In that game, the 24-year-old Brash gave up a pair of runs in 5.1 innings of work. It was the first of five straight starts that would see the right-hander give up two runs or more, leading to an ERA of 7.65 (FIP of 5.87) before being sent back to Triple-A Tacoma and converted to a reliever.

Brash has now seen action in five games for the Mariners out of the bullpen since being recalled on July 9 and his fastball has had more velocity since moving out of the rotation, clocking all the way up to 99.7 mph. He’s also seen a drop in his ERA and FIP, falling to 3.38 and 3.12, respectively.

Would the Mariners be willing to part with Brash if it meant acquiring someone to help in the rotation or at second base, a position where Seattle ranks 28th among MLB teams in combined bWAR at minus-1.5? It likely depends on if the Mariners think Brash can bring them more value out of the bullpen for the next two months than he could as a trade chip.

What do you think, Mariners fans? Do you think Brash or Kelenic should be moved at the trade deadline if it helps to strengthen Seattle as the franchise tries to break its postseason drought? Let us know in the comments section below.