With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, the Seattle Mariners and several other MLB teams are gearing up to make key moves for the final stretch of the season.
Mariners’ Trade Deadline Needs
The Mariners are primarily seeking offensive reinforcements, a pursuit shared by many other teams. However, some contenders are focusing on bolstering their pitching staff, which means Seattle won’t face competition from every buyer.
MLB writer Levi Weaver from The Athletic joined Seattle Sports’ Bump and Stacy to discuss the buyers and sellers across the league, highlighting the Mariners’ competition in the hunt for impactful bats.
“You might be in a good position here as far as needing outfield bats,” Weaver said.
Buyers in a Different Market
Weaver first mentioned the division rival Houston Astros, who are in dire need of starting pitching rather than hitters.
“The Astros have basically like three healthy starting pitchers and then a couple of brooms taped together that they put a jersey on. But on the upside, you guys won’t be going for the same targets,” Weaver said. “The Astros need starting pitching. The Mariners have that.”
Other potential buyers include the AL East-leading Baltimore Orioles and AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians, both of which are also seeking starting pitching.
The Seattle Mariners’ Competition
While many potential playoff teams are focusing on pitching, there is one notable exception: the Los Angeles Dodgers. Known for their substantial financial resources, the Dodgers are also in the market for outfield bats, posing significant competition for the Mariners.
“The Dodgers could probably use another outfield bat, so that’s one to keep an eye on,” Weaver said. “And they also have a pretty good farm system. So that might be some competition.”
Weaver also mentioned the NL Central-leading Milwaukee Brewers, a team that has already made a deal with the Mariners this season.
“They’re in a similar situation to the Mariners in that they’re succeeding and also have to be budget conscious,” Weaver said. “They’re also a small-market team, and so as far as adding goes, the contract considerations will be similar to Seattle.”
The New York Yankees were also discussed as a team looking for bats, specifically an infielder. While the Mariners need both outfield and infield help, a corner outfielder is their top priority.
“I don’t know if that’s exactly the same fit either as far as what the teams are going for,” Weaver said of the Yankees and Mariners at the deadline.
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