The Seattle Mariners now have a 5.5-game lead in the American League West over the Texas Rangers. The starting pitching staff is among the best in baseball, ranking fifth in baseball and fourth in the American League with a 3.41 ERA, eighth in baseball and fifth in the American League in FIP with a 3.73, first in baseball in WHIP with a 1.03, and second in baseball with the lowest BB/9 with a 1.94. The one thing holding them back from being a true World Series contender in 2024 is their bats; they currently rank 28th in batting average with a.220, 27th in OBP with a.298, 24th in SLG with a.366, 24th in OPS with a.664, and 24th in runs scored with 273 which is good for a 3.8 runs per game rate, which with their pitching staff is manageable, but with the trade deadline approaching, there may be some bats available that could be added that would propel the Mariners to.
The Mariners may consider adding three bats, including Of Luis Robert from the Chicago White Sox
Robert is 26 and will be 27 on August 3rd. It’s no secret that he’s available for trade, but he’d cost a ransom, with sources indicating that the White Sox are asking for a package similar to what the Washington Nationals received for Juan Soto a few years back. Robert is under contract until the end of next season, although he may negotiate an extension with his new squad. He had a.276 batting average and.828 OPS in five seasons, with 86 doubles, two triples, 81 home runs, 220 RBI, 228 runs scored, 47 stolen bases, and 86 walks. This season, he has only appeared in 16 games, hitting.200 with a.845 OPS; he has two doubles, seven home runs, 10 RBI, nine runs scored, one stolen base, and five walks. In his 12 games at T-Mobile Park, he has hit.159 with two doubles, four home runs, seven RBI, and six runs scored; he recently finished 3-12 against the Mariners in Seattle, with three home runs and four RBI. The Mariners are unlikely to make a trade for Robert, but he is a name to monitor.
Pete Alonso, New York Mets
Alonso is 29 years old and will be a free agency after this season. It has been claimed that he is seeking a $200 million contract extension, but the Mets do not appear to be interested in doing so while keeping Alonso. He is in his sixth season with the Mets, hitting.249 with a.861 OPS. He has 127 doubles, seven triples, 206 home runs, 530 RBI, 440 runs scored, 15 stolen bases, and 314 walks. This season, he is batting.233 with a.774 OPS and has 16 doubles, 14 home runs, 32 RBI, 38 runs scored, one stolen base, and 26 walks. Alonso is likely to be available and may not cost as much as one may imagine, making him an excellent piece in this.
Bo Bichette, Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays have begun to win, so they may not sell, but if they do, Bichette may be a trade candidate. He turned 26 in March and, like Robert, is not a free agent until 2026. He has a.293 batting average,.806 OPS, 143 doubles, seven triples, 93 home runs, 340 RBI, 353 runs scored, 55 stolen bases, and 141 walks across his first six seasons. This season, he is hitting.240 with a.633 OPS and has 13 doubles, one triple, four home runs, 28 RBI, 22 runs scored, four stolen bases, and 14 walks. In ten games at T-Mobile Park, he has hit.259, including three doubles, two home runs, seven RBI, and eight runs scored. The Jays recently dealt Cavan Biggio to the Dodgers; if they are unable to stay in the race, Bichette might be a valuable addition to the Mariners’ lineup.
Wrap Up
The Mariners need a hitter; which of the three would you bring in, or is there another player available before the deadline who you’d prefer to add?
