Seattle Mariners: Three trades the M’s can make to transform the franchise
Jake Fraley, Seattle Mariners.
Trade 3: Acquire Mike Clevinger from Cleveland
This trade is bound to be controversial. Put it in the category of “it’s so crazy; it might work.”
The phones have to be ringing off the hook at Cleveland Indians headquarters. Mike Clevinger is on the outs with his Indians teammates after he and fellow starter Zach Plesac broke coronavirus protocol earlier this month. Cleveland management seems willing to move him despite their status as a contender for the American League Central Division crown.
He won’t be cheap, and Mariners fans reading this will balk at what DiPoto has to give up. First of all, Kelenic, Rodriguez, White, as well as pitchers Logan Gilbert and Emerson Hancock are non-starters. Anyone else in the organization not named Lewis or Crawford (and maybe Noelvi Marte) is negotiable.
That means Seattle’s number six prospect George Kirby is involved. Cleveland’s outfielders have been awful this year. Not that the M’s have that much, but they can undoubtedly part with Dylan Moore or Tim Lopes. Jake Fraley (10th) and Bradon Bishop (19th) are also possible thrown-ins.
Although his 2020 has been just as bad as any of the Indians outfielders, Dee Gordon would provide depth for a dangerously thin middle infield, and speed on the basepaths. A deal of this magnitude may also include some lower-ranked prospects, maybe a relief pitcher, and even some cash to make it happen.
Question: If the Seattle Mariners are sellers, why would they buy high on a pitcher?
Answer: Because Clevinger is an ace and the Mariners need one. On a good team, Marco Gonzales is a number three starter. Justin Dunn and Justus Sheffield may get to Clevinger’s level one day, but not soon.
Clevinger is signed through 2022. If the Seattle Mariners are to contend in that year as planned, they need a staff ace. By 2023, one of the other highly regarded pitchers in the organization will be ready to assume his mantle.
What trades do you think the Seattle Mariners will make before the deadline on August 31? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.