Seattle Mariners: The perfect fit for Kyle Seager
Kyle Seager, Seattle Mariners. (Photo by Blake Handley, via Flickr)
Meeting the Conditions
To recap, any trade involving Kyle Seager requires the following conditions.
- A contract adjustment
- A playoff team
- Seattle to eat contract money
- A team that Seager wants to play on
- A team that has a need at 3B for this year
- And a spot for him in 2021
- A team that is willing to give up a prospect to get him
The specific needs of this deal shrinks the market considerably, which will make it difficult for DiPoto to yield a decent return. But there is a perfect location. First the other contenders.
Not Perfect but Possible
If a trade did occur, Seager waives the poison pill and goes to Atlanta along with Taijuan Walker for a mid-level prospect. Not likely but it could happen.
Another option is Los Angeles. Their third baseman Justin Turner is older than Seager and a free agent at the end of the season. If Los Angeles wants to secure the position a little longer Seager could work for them. Kyle would more than likely waive the contract modification to play with his brother.
Two things hold this deal back. The Dodgers have MLB Pipeline’s number two prospect, Gavin Lux who should be ready for full-time infield duties next season. Additionally, the team just gave Mookie Betts a 12-year, $365M contract extension, which puts them well over the luxury tax threshold.
The Perfect Fit
Through the long and overly complex process of proving Seager has any trade value, it’s still on the M’s to make a deal. Seager has produced at a high level since August of 2019. He is a strong leader on a young team, and has made the necessary adjustments at the plate, to beat the shift. Finally, it will take a solid free agent signing to replace his production for next year, when the Mariners plan on competing.
At the end of the day, there is one team that benefits greatly from having Seager as their third baseman. This team has the cap space to afford his contract, and he is a proven commodity among their fanbase. The perfect destination for Kyle Seager is Seattle.
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