The Seattle Mariners are currently 37-36, five games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West.
Seattle is just a half-game back from the third AL wild card spot ahead of a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs this weekend.
The Mariners have been known to have a dominant starting rotation in recent years, but it’s the offense that is keeping the Mariners in contention.
Catcher Cal Raleigh is having a Most Valuable Player caliber season thus far and is on pace to hit 60 home runs.
J.P. Crawford has had a nice season, but the Mariners need more power in the middle of the lineup.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden made several difference-making trade proposals for teams in the AL wild card race, including a Mariners trade that gives Seattle a big bat.
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The Mariners would acquire Arizona Diamondbacks first baseman Josh Naylor in exchange for right-hander Casey Legumina and right-hander Ryan Sloan.
“The Mariners need to upgrade at first base and landing Naylor could be a game-changer for the middle of their lineup,” wrote Bowden. “The Diamondbacks insist they’ll be buying at the trade deadline, but that could change in the coming weeks.
“Closer to July 31, they could decide to trade their impending free agents, including Naylor, to acquire more talent for the future while still being able to re-sign those veteran players in free agency this winter.”
Naylor, 27, was an All-Star for the first time last season. He hit 31 home runs and drove in 108 runs while slashing .243/.320/.456.
This season, Naylor has nine home runs and 49 RBI while slashing .304/.359/.471. Seattle could use the upgrade at first base defensively and Naylor is one of the better hitters in Major League Baseball.
“Legumina, 28, has a 4.05 ERA over 27 appearances this season with the Mariners,” wrote Bowden. “Sloan, 19, is a top-10 prospect in Seattle’s strong farm system; a second-round pick last year, he has a 4.54 ERA this season in Low A.”
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