Maritime Minutes: Deadline observations & notes

Kevin Mather (sitting) informing Jerry Dipoto (standing) of the Mariners' 2021 budget.

By Stevil, July 16th, 2021 

 

We already made one detailed proposal and one of the outbound players we so graciously suggested be sent to Tampa has since had surgery. So, the lesson here is that Seattle needs to act fast once they receive our intelligence reports. What's the point of paying us if they don't!? Seriously, we're going to keep this short. We're not anticipating a lot of activity, but we'd be surprised if nothing happens. We're not going to speculate (much) over potential swaps, either. 

That said, here are some things to consider... 

 

1. Seattle's greatest area of need is starting pitching, the deadline alone isn't going to fill Seattle's needs for 2022, and any deals we see are more likely going to focus more on the future, rather than 2021. That doesn't mean Seattle will punt, it means they'll probably try to get a jump on the offseason and hope for the best this season. As always, there are no guarantees of anything.

2. The second greatest need is a second baseman. Dylan Moore's value comes as a utility player and Shed Long is on track to be the first player to hit a ball to China as he continues to pound the ball into the ground, night after night. Ty France is likely going to stay at first base for a while as Jake Bauers doesn't offer enough offense to warrant a roster spot on a contending club and Evan White's return ain't happening anytime soon. So, don't expect to see much of France at second base. 

3. Picking up the option on Yusei Kikuchi isn't a foregone conclusion, therefore he isn't untouchable. If a team were willing to send a solid, yet inexperienced starter that's MLB-ready in a return, Jerry would probably listen. The Rays, Padres and Dodgers would be a few teams to watch. Blue Jays as well, especially if they were willing to part with Pearson and/or Biggio. 

4. Mitch Haniger isn't untouchable. His value, however, may be limited. He isn't likely going to be dealt for a rental or prospects 2-3 years out, but if he could be moved for an infielder or starter with equal (or more) control? Certainly feasible, though his value to the team serving as a stopgap for Julio Rodriguez and mentor shouldn't be underappreciated. 

5. Seattle looks pretty well loaded with relievers. But relievers are the most volatile players in baseball and selling high on an arm like Paul Sewald wouldn't be surprising. Kendall Graveman probably wouldn't net much of a return as a rental, but it wouldn't be shocking to see him in a package. Wouldn't be astonishing to see him extended, either. We're all out of strong adjectives to keep this going. 

6. We're not advocating for any specific deals definitively, but the area of strength is the mid-tier pitching in the minors. George Kirby might also be a candidate for relocation should prospects be involved. 

7. Absorbing a hefty contract or two could do wonders for acquiring a targeted player, so don't be surprised if a package deal gets done involving a hefty contract or two and a targeted player. A three-way deal wouldn't be out of the question, either.

 

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If it were up to us, we'd make every effort to bring back Ketel Marte—even if it meant taking on all of Madison Bumgarner's contract. Seattle lacks star-power and they can't rely on inexperienced players to do too much, regardless of how talented they may be. 

Acquiring stars isn't an easy task, and the right deal might not be there, but Seattle should be zeroed in on the best possible players they can realistically acquire to address their areas of need. Sounds simple, right? Sounds vague as well, but this drought has gone on long enough. The Mariner organization owes it to the fans to give them what they deserve and that's not going to happen giving Jerry a limited budget and interfering in personnel decisions. 

Reaching the postseason in 2021 was always going to be a stretch. Reaching the postseason and advancing in 2022 should be a reality, regardless of what happens this season.