Five New Questions Focused on the Mariners' Offseason

Tommy interrogates Stevil in response to the offseason plan at the HVH headquarters. An audience was necessary for legal purposes. 

By Tommy Gunner, 16 October, 2023

Here are more five questions related to the offseason / offseason plan directed at Stevil. We intend to offer updates in the comment section periodically, so feel free to visit this... periodically. 

Q: What are the needs and what could stand to be upgraded?

A: Right now, assuming Teo leaves, corner outfielder, designated hitter, and closer are Seattle's biggest needs, in my opinion. But there's an argument for upgrades everywhere outside of catcher, short, and center. I would imagine we'll see a platoon of Rojas/Moore at second or third, but I don't think anyone in the field should be a lock apart from JP and Julio.

Q: What team, or teams, line up best for a trade with Seattle?

A: The easy answer would be the teams cited in the offseason plan. But I'm a little surprised myself that we didn't suggest a swap with Milwaukee. I still think a deal involving players like Yelich & Ray in an expensive contract swap could make sense. There's potential to move corner infielders for outfielders as well as an exchange of starting pitchers. 

Baltimore & Tampa have infield options to spare. If St. Louis is willing to move Walker, a deal there could make sense. But who knows what Jerry's looking to do. A deal with just about any team apart from LAA wouldn't be surprising. 

Q: Can Seattle field a World Series contender without significant spending?

A: Probably not. They have a lot of work to do. It's hard to envision them becoming an elite team without taking on salary from somewhere, somehow. They're not a player or two away. They have their holes, but they'll need upgrades as well. 

Q: Should Seattle be willing to trade top prospects?

A: They just drafted three middle-infielders in the first round, or what would be considered the first round, and had a few good ones on board before the draft. Five of their top-10 prospects are middle-infielders and Ryan Bliss, the closest to being MLB-ready, isn't one of them. They absolutely should be open to moving an infield prospector two.

Q: If Seattle can't get Ohtani or Bellinger, then what?

A:  If it were my call, I would listen to offers for Kirby and try to sign Snell to replace him. Other teams will likely try to sell high on arms, such as Cleveland and Tampa, but Kirby has five years of control. Seattle would have an advantage. Would Baltimore be willing to trade Jackson Holliday and one of Cowser/Kjerstad? That's the kind of return I'd be looking for, even if another piece heading to Baltimore was necessary.