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Updating list of potential trade targets

Whether or not the Seattle Mariners end up buyers remains to be seen, but the list of possible targets is growing.

Jason A. Churchill

Jason A. Churchill

— 3 min read
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Updating list of potential trade targets

Seattle Mariners’ President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto is likely to be tasked with a very difficult decision in about six weeks. Actually, decisions, plural. Is his club worth supplementing aggressively? If so, exactly how significant should the acquisitions be? If not, is it true sell mode, or simply a stand-pat scenario? If the club sells at the deadline, how far should Dipoto go to move on from those that appear to be anything but pieces for the long haul?

Today, let’s assume they’re going to be buyers to some level and simply gather potential targets. But we’re not just going to list a bunch of names, no no. We’ll update the below list of players based on their individual situation with their current team, and their club’s status in the playoff race.

First, let’s set some parameters at the club level. Any team that hits any of the following qualifications will be considered a seller:

  • 15 or more games back of the last postseason spot in their respective league after the 60-game mark of the season, regardless of how many clubs are ahead of them in the race for the final berth
  • 7 or more games back of the last postseason spot after the 60-game mark of the season, plus five or more clubs ahead of them in the race for the final spot
  • 10 or more games back of the final playoff berth after the 80-game mark, plus three or more clubs ahead of them in the race
  • More than five games back of the final playoff spot after the 60-game market with 7 or more teams ahead of them for the final spot
  • More than five games back of the final playoff spot at the deadline (roughly the 100-game mark) with five or more clubs ahead of them

As of June 14, about the 60-game mark, the following clubs, using the above guidelines, can be viewed as non-buyers and likely sellers:

  • Cincinnati Reds
  • Washington Nationals
  • Chicago Cubs
  • Oakland Athletics
  • Kansas City Royals
  • Detroit Tigers
  • Baltimore Orioles

So far, this is the list. In the coming weeks, teams, particularly the Pittsburgh Pirates and Colorado Rockies, will join this list, as will qualifying players. Clubs just a moderate losing streak from being next include the Miami Marlins.

From the seven sellers listed above, here are the players likely to be considered in trades, by both their respective clubs and contenders looking to add to their roster this summer:

Frontline Starting Pitchers (No. 1, 2, 3)

Back-end Starting Pitchers (No. 4, 5)

  • Patrick Corbin, LHP — Washington
    Owed $23M/YR through 2024
  • Jordan Lyles, RHP — BaltimoreControlled through 2022, plus 2023 option
  • Drew Smyly, LHP — Cubs
    Controlled through 2022, plus mutual option for 2023
  • Cole Irvin, LHP — Oakland
    Controlled through 2026
  • Paul Blackburn, RHP — Oakland
    Controlled through 2025
  • Brad Keller, RHP — Kansas City
    Controlled through 2023

Relievers

Corner Outfielders

Centerfielders

Corner Infielders

Middle Infielders

Catchers

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