The Mariners’ Struggles and Trade Deadline Hopes
The Seattle Mariners’ offense has been struggling, leading to a significant downturn as they squandered a ten-game lead in the American League West in under 30 games. Despite the bleak outlook, hope remains with the upcoming MLB trade deadline. The Mariners have a week left to make crucial additions to their roster, and while not all moves may be popular, trades are expected. One potential trading partner is the Chicago Cubs.
The Cubs’ Season and Trade Possibilities
The Cubs have also had a disappointing season. Before games began on July 23, the Cubs held a 49-53 record, barely avoiding last place in their division. They are nine games behind in their division and 3.5 games out of a wild card spot with four teams ahead of them. Reports suggest the Cubs may not make moves to bolster their team this year, presenting an opportunity for the Mariners to acquire some of their big league talent.
Potential Trades
Given the Cubs’ position, they may be willing to trade some of their valuable players. This scenario provides the Mariners with a chance to address their offensive struggles and potentially turn their season around. Whether these trades involve acquiring experienced hitters or versatile players, the Mariners could benefit from the Cubs’ readiness to offload talent.
Conclusion
While the Mariners’ current situation appears grim, the trade deadline offers a beacon of hope. With the Cubs likely open to trading some of their players, the Mariners have an opportunity to make strategic moves that could reinvigorate their offense and improve their standing in the league.
The Mariners’ Corner Outfield Struggles and Potential Solution
The Seattle Mariners have struggled to get above-average production from their corner outfielders this season. One potential solution is acquiring Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki. Suzuki, who has played right field throughout his young career, could slot nicely into the Mariners’ lineup. This season, he is hitting .261/.332/.461 with 13 home runs in 76 games.
Why the Mariners Should Pursue Seiya Suzuki
Solid Performance:
- Offensive Stats: Suzuki is hitting .261/.332/.461 with 13 home runs in 76 games this season.
- wRC+: He boasts a 123 wRC+ this year, meaning he is 23% better than the average MLB hitter. This level of performance would make him one of the best hitters in the Mariners’ lineup.
- Consistency: While Suzuki may not be a superstar, he is a reliable and productive player who can bolster the Mariners’ offense.
Fit in the Lineup:
- Positional Need: The Mariners need improvement in their corner outfield positions, and Suzuki’s experience in right field makes him an ideal candidate.
- Lineup Enhancement: Adding Suzuki would provide a significant boost to the middle of the Mariners’ lineup, offering much-needed offensive production.
Conclusion
Acquiring Seiya Suzuki from the Cubs could be a strategic move for the Mariners. Suzuki’s solid hitting stats and his 123 wRC+ would make him a valuable addition to the Mariners’ lineup, addressing their corner outfield struggles and providing a consistent offensive presence. Given his performance and fit, the Mariners should actively pursue Suzuki as the trade deadline approaches.
Suzuki’s defense is a drawback. Suzuki has made a couple poor defensive plays in right field recently. Although he doesn’t have fantastic Baseball Savant numbers, his arm is good, and the Mariners need to add productive batters to their lineup, even if it means sacrificing some defense.
Suzuki smacks the ball with force too. At 92.4 mph on average, he is among the top 7% of the league in exit velocity. Just under 50% of the time, he smashes the ball hard, ranking in the top 10% of the league. He is just an excellent talent who might benefit the squad. In a few weeks, he will turn 30 here, and for the next two and a half seasons at the very least, he will be managed by the team. He would probably cost less than Luis Robert or Isaac Paredes, but still a respectable prospect price.
The Mariners just don’t have many possibilities to add during the calendar, therefore they must do so before the deadline. They can’t take back the mistakes made in the offseason, but they can try to improve the mood in the clubhouse and their offensive potential by bringing in Seiya Suzuki in order to try to contend for a postseason spot in 2024.
