Entering Thursday’s action, the Mariners rank 23rd in the Majors in OPS from their outfielders (.684) as a group. Despite that, Seattle hasn’t struggled to score runs. Entering the day, the Mariners ranked sixth in the Majors in runs scored since March 31 (445), and they have the second-best record in baseball (25-16) in games decided by one or two runs.
To address that need for another impact bat, the Mariners have been linked to a number of outfielders on the trade market. Among those names are Kansas City’s Adalberto Mondesi, Washington’s Josh Harrison and Toronto’s Teoscar Hernández.
Before play Thursday, Hernández had slashed .171/.271/.417 (96 OPS+) with 18 homers and 51 RBIs in 83 games this season. In 200 career games in right field, he’s totaled one Defensive Run Saved, according to FanGraphs, while tallying -4 Outs Above Average, according to Statcast. Overall, he’s a -3.2 Wins Above Replacement player for his career, according to FanGraphs.
No matter who the Mariners ultimately add, it shouldn’t impact Ford’s development timeline. The 19-year-old backstop could be ready for his first taste of the Majors sooner rather than later, as he’s already slashing .281/.375/.490 with 18 homers and 51 RBIs in 63 games between Low-A Modesto and High-A Everett.
In any deal, the Mariners could also look to shed some salary — such as Kyle Seager, who’s set to earn $18 million in 2022 with a $1 million buyout on a $20 million club option for ’23. But Seattle GM Jerry Dipoto said earlier this season: “Money is less the issue for us right now and more about how to rebuild and take the next step.”
In the end, the Mariners’ Deadline maneuverings might set the tone for the club’s winter, when the free-agent market should be flush with impact bats. But with a window of contention open now, Seattle is looking to make a run.
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