Wild Deadline Questions, Wild Deadline Answers Part 1

HVH staff gather in front of T-Mobile park to confront Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander for a friendly discussion about deadline deals. 

By Stevil, 2 July, 2034

Q: Has anything changed recently with trade targets?

A: Well, Toronto and Detroit are looking like sellers. I no longer believe Riley Greene could be available (he's looking like a core piece for Detroit). But both teams have players that I think would fit and not cost a lot to acquire. 

Q: Do they need pitching?

A: They do, regardless of Santos & Speier returning and Evans eventually coming up. Worth noting, they've made a habit of trading relievers with limited control. It wouldn't surprise me if we saw pitching traded and other arms brought in (not necessarily just relievers).

Q: Which prospects do you think should be off-limits?

A: None. That said, Emerson, Montes, Celesten, and Ford are all players I could see as part of a future core and their value probably hasn't peaked. I'd try to avoid moving any of those four. But nobody should be completely off-limits. We don't have any real evidence that the organization can develop bats. Cal is great for a catcher, Julio is a (struggling) generational talent...that's all we have. There's an argument that prospects have more value as trade chips.

Q: Are there any under-the-radar bats that make sense for Seattle?

A: Yep. And I'm surprised that one of them hasn't come up at all. I guess people are still obsessed with Robert. 

Q: What are Seattle's biggest needs?

A: A second or third baseman, corner outfielder and first baseman. Those are the biggest needs. There are more. DH might be solved internally. 

Q: Could Locklear or Bliss help?

A: As regulars? I don't think so. Seattle can't ask two rookies to pick up the slack and carry the team. Worth noting, they could very well end up in the return for a proven player. So, I guess they could help as trade chips. 

Q: Should Seattle consider buying rentals?

A: It's always about the price. They're not likely giving up elite prospects for a few months of anyone. In other words, I don't see them chasing after Alonso. But I can think of others that might make sense for a fair price.

Q: Do you expect Seattle to be cheap at the deadline?

A: I expect Seattle to be rational, efficient...and disappointing for many fans. I don't expect them to gut the farm for short-term gains. We'll see if they're willing to take on some salary and/or trade an elite prospect or two, but they have so many needs, I don't expect a lot of big splashes, I expect mostly humble moves. 

Q: Can they move the bad contracts?

A: Sure, but that seems more likely to happen in the offseason. I wouldn't be surprised if they move France and Polanco, but Haniger and Garver would be a lot tougher.

Q: What could they immediately do to help before making trades?

A: Yeah, I've given this a lot of thought... 

First, DFA Polanco and hope that someone claims him; Moore at 2B.

Second, recall Urías to platoon with Rojas.  

Third, keep Garver in a backup catcher role. 

Fourth, DH Haniger.

Fifth, play Raley more regularly.

And for the record, I don't think this would do much. But it could give them a solution with Haniger. I don't actually expect them to DFA Polanco, but I'm not confident he'll turn things around. His Barrel% and EV are concerning.

Q: Are jobs at risk? Should jobs be at risk?

A: Probably not. Stanton knows his restrictions were detrimental to the team and Dipoto covers for him.