MLB Rumors: Seattle Mariners want to trade for starting pitcher

The Seattle Mariners missed out on the Kendrys Morales sweepstakes, but it appears their bigger need is starting pitching. That’s the word from Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal who suggests the Mariners are on the lookout to add another rotation arm.

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“While the Mariners were linked to Kendrys Morales, the team currently is focused on adding a starting pitcher, according to a rival executive.

Right-hander Taijuan Walker (shoulder) is not yet ready to come off the DL; nor is left-hander James Paxton (lat). However, payroll flexibility remains an issue, sources say.”

While money might be an issue, if the Mariners are able to obtain a solid arm, one has to think they’d be able to do it given the financial backing of the organization.

One thing Rosenthal doesn’t go on to mention is who Seattle is looking to acquire, if anybody at this point. Thankfully there are likely to be a handful of arms on the available market in the coming month or two which could include names like David Price, James Shields and Cliff Lee. There are also lesser name players like Jason Hammel who could be on the market as well and much more affordable both in terms of money and prospects if Seattle is looking to make a ‘smaller’ deal.

Given their rotation, the most likely scenario is attempting to find a fifth starter but it’s within the realm of possability that Seattle could be looking for another anchor alongside Felix Hernandez as well.

For now, it appears their search is in its infancy.