Hardcore Deadline Expectations

By Stevil, July 7th, 2019

 

Most Seattle fans are anticipating a slew of activity over the next couple of weeks, but some of the best known players known to have been shopped aren't likely going anywhere. To be clear, those players are Kyle Seager and Dee Gordon. When you look around the league and what contenders, or potential contenders, need, neither fit the bill. They simply haven't done enough offensively. Actually, they haven't really done enough of anything. But that doesn't mean we won't see Seattle making any deals.

Here are the names to watch...

Mike Leake has been a trade chip for some time, and though his last start was brutal, teams won't likely be deterred. He's going to offer innings and keep his team in the game, so anyone in need of a starter with a high-powered offense behind them should be interested.

Austin Adams has dominated hitters with a deceitful slider. He's currently on the IL, but he should be back quick, and if he continues to pitch like he has since that opening stint, he should be in demand. We just saw Tampa move Nick Solak to Texas for an unfinished relief prospect (and learned that he was the subject of the return in an Encarnación deal that didn't happen due to salary), so there's reason to believe Seattle could do better. Who that might be is beyond me, but infield and pitching prospects are the most likely targets on Jerry's board.

Roenis Elías is another reliever who has been less flashy, but fairly consistent. He can offer multiple innings as well, so he should be popular among contending clubs. He might net a better return than Adams given his experience, so expect Seattle's already ugly bullpen to get uglier before it's all said and done. I would be surprised if at least one reliever isn't moved.

For the better part of the last two months I've seen fans speculating over the possibility of selling high on Omar Narváez. My belief has been that Seattle's content with their catching tandem and Cal Raleigh's reign of terror on A+ pitching won't change that. Realistically, they need three catchers minimum. Austin Nola makes things interesting in the present, but Raleigh is still a good two years out and there are no guarantees. This was addressed in a previous post and I make no apologies for not changing my mind. I do apologize for the lack of humor, but I reserve the right to share semi-boring posts at my discretion.

There are, however, a couple of players I believe are strong candidates who have not been discussed. Mallex Smith has been a solid player with speed that's second to none since being recalled from his demotion. His defense has improved as much as his offense, and with Jake Fraley and Braden Bishop both knocking on the door in AAA, it's easy to see Smith being the/an odd man out. 

Domingo Santana has been a serious power-threat and is still among the league leaders in RBI's. His defense in left was atrocious, and though he's not going to win a Gold Glove in right field, he's perfectly capable there on a regular basis. If the opportunity to sell high is there, I would anticipate a move happening. With Ian Miller and John Andreoli doing everything they can to earn a look in a rebuilding year, and with Seattle still lacking infield and pitching prospect depth, the outfield is an area of strength that could be used to address those needs. Mitch Haniger was probably in the conversation before his tragic (extremely tragic) injury, and he may be the subject of speculation in the upcoming offseason. But right now, it's Smith and Santana most likely to be dealt from the grass. 

That's it. The general belief around baseball is that this is a sellers market and prices will be high. Tampa's deal with Texas serves as evidence, but we'll just have to wait and see what happens.