Seattle Mariners: Top six trade partners for Kyle Seager
New York Yankees
This may be the least likely one but hear me out. New York’s pitching hasn’t been their issue in the postseason. It’s been the offense. Adding Seager gives them another bat. They already have Giancarlo Stanton at the DH and can use Gary Sanchez, Brett Gardner, Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks, or Aaron Judge. But they are all injury risks.
Meanwhile, starting third baseman Gio Urshela will miss the opening three months of the season after elbow surgery. Additionally, the Bronx Bombers’ other third baseman Miguel Andujar, struggled in 2020 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery.
I’m not sure who would be included in the deal, but the Yankees can definitely take on Seager’s full salary. Additionally, they have some upper mid-level prospects. That in and of itself would be a big win for the M’s.
Tampa Bay Rays
Another frequent Seattle Mariners trade partner is Tampa Bay. This offseason, the reigning AL Champs let go of some highly valuable pieces that helped them win the AL East. While the Rays won’t be able to accommodate Seager’s full contract, the teams can work out an agreement on the financial terms.
The return can vary, but some of the players Seattle should try to acquire include Vidal Brujan (2B/SS), Xavier Edwards (2B/SS), and maybe Brent Honeywell (SP). Brujan and Edwards will find it hard to get playing time with Willy Adames and Brandon Lowe starting at both those spots.
The young infielders are also behind Tampa’s top prospect Wander Franco at SS. All this makes Edwards and Brujan a little more expendable, depending on how much of Seager’s contract the M’s eat.