The Seattle Mariners appeared poised for a significant trade before the July 30 MLB deadline.
However, complications have arisen. Despite leading the AL West and having a strong farm system, the Mariners face challenges as many teams remain in the postseason race.
Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, expressed uncertainty about making a dynamic trade this late in the deadline. His comments reflect the competitive landscape, with only five out of 30 MLB teams out of playoff contention.
Given the Mariners’ need for an impactful bat, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan suggested Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes as a fitting target.
Paredes, despite the Rays being 5 1/2 games behind in the wild card race, might be obtainable due to Tampa Bay’s strategy of trading players before their salaries increase through arbitration.
Paredes, earning $3.4 million this year with three more years of arbitration before free agency in 2027, aligns with the Mariners’ trade interests. Passan mentioned that teams in the “muddled middle” might engage in trades to reconfigure for future success. Acquiring Paredes would require the Mariners to part with top prospects.
Paredes’ value is highlighted by his recent All-Star selection, boasting a .261/.364/.459 slash line with 15 home runs and 50 RBIs in 91 games. His power hitting, particularly to the pull side, is a standout skill that makes him a desirable trade target.
