As the Seattle Mariners approach another offseason, they face a familiar challenge: enhancing their offense to complement one of Major League Baseball’s top pitching staffs. Recent trends suggest that the team might struggle to make significant free-agent acquisitions due to financial constraints. Consequently, Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto could be active in the trade market to address these needs.
Historically, the Baltimore Orioles have been a popular trade partner for Seattle due to their depth of young hitting talent and limited pitching resources. However, ESPN’s Jeff Passan has recently proposed that the Boston Red Sox might also be a viable trade option. According to Passan, Boston’s farm system, although not as deep as Baltimore’s, is rich with promising hitters that could appeal to the Mariners.
The Red Sox have several intriguing prospects and young players that the Mariners might target. While it’s unlikely the Mariners would land top prospects like Marcelo Mayer, Boston’s system still offers valuable assets. Passan highlighted Ceddanne Rafaela and Roman Anthony as potential trade targets. Rafaela, in his rookie season, has shown promise despite an uneven performance, while Anthony, a highly regarded prospect, has impressed with his recent play in Triple-A.
Another name mentioned is Jarren Duran, who has had an outstanding 2024 season. Although he is a key player for Boston, the Mariners could potentially explore acquiring him if the right deal can be negotiated. Duran’s strong hitting and defensive skills make him a valuable asset, though obtaining him might require a substantial trade package.
For the Mariners, any trade would likely involve parting with one of their promising young pitchers, such as Bryan Woo. Woo, despite his injury history, has been exceptionally effective when healthy. Passan notes that Woo’s high performance, combined with his potential to remain a dominant pitcher, makes him a valuable trade piece, despite the risks associated with his injury history.
As the Mariners prepare for the offseason, their focus will be on finding the right trade partners and making strategic moves to enhance their lineup. The interplay between their pitching strengths and the need for offensive upgrades will be critical in shaping their approach and potential success in the upcoming season.