The Seattle Mariners have had a strong 2024 season so far, leading the AL West with a 47-37 record. Despite the Houston Astros closing the gap, the Mariners maintain a 5.5-game lead.
Given their position, they are expected to actively seek upgrades before the MLB Trade Deadline. Who might they target?
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mariners have some clear needs, particularly on offense. New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso is seen as an ideal fit for them.
“Deep down, the Mets are grimacing at their recent run of success. They’re too inconsistent to warrant adding players at the deadline if the cost is in prospect capital, and they’re good enough that divesting themselves of a player such as Alonso would send a bad message to their woebegone fan base.
For Seattle, Alonso would represent the middle-of-the-order bopper its current lineup currently lacks — and desperately needs. So if it’s not Alonso, perhaps Tampa Bay third baseman Isaac Paredes. And if not Alonso or Paredes, Angels outfielder Taylor Ward or Detroit outfielder Mark Canha qualify.
The point: Seattle’s pitching warrants the team’s brain trust making an aggressive play before July 30, even if it’s not for Alonso. If it is, there are plenty of DH at-bats going to waste for Seattle, which could entice New York with a far better return than the fourth-round draft pick they’re set to receive if Alonso leaves in free agency this winter,” wrote Passan.
The Mets have been on a strong run lately, making it unlikely they will be sellers. They are above .500 for the first time since May 2nd and are in the playoff hunt, so the Mariners may need to look elsewhere for offensive help.
Among the other players mentioned by Passan, Taylor Ward would likely be the hardest to acquire since the Los Angeles Angels would be reluctant to strengthen a division rival. Isaac Paredes from the Tampa Bay Rays could also be difficult to obtain given the Rays’ competitive status. Mark Canha might be the best target, as the Detroit Tigers are eight games out of playoff contention and are the likeliest sellers among the teams Passan mentioned.
