MLB rumors: Royals, Mariners talked Billy Butler trade

The Seattle Mariners have been looking for a right handed power bat for quite some time. Why that has lead them to Billy Butler is a bit of an unknown considering the first baseman/designated hitter isn’t exactly much of a power threat at this stage of his career, though he’s still a solid hitter.

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Given that, it’s understandable as to why the Seattle Mariners have shown interest in the Kansas City Royals veteran who seems very likely to change zip codes come the upcoming MLB trade deadline.

Billy Butler has been the subject of trade talk for years, routinely hearing his name on the chopping block come every July. Despite the lack of pop in his bat, Butler remains a solid contact hitter and given the offensive woes experienced by the Seattle Mariners first basemen this season, he’d be a solid upgrade who shouldn’t cost must in terms of prospects.

In addition to being linked to Billy Butler, the Seattle Mariners have also expressed interest in Marlon Byrd of the Philadelphia Phillies who would provide them with the right handed power they desire in comparison to Butler who brings on base percentage.

Salaries shouldn’t make too much of an impact for the Mariners as they’ve quickly emerged as one of the more financially stable teams in baseball, so it’s simply going to be a matter of prospects and availability.

Seattle will likely need an upgrade or two in effort to keep up with the Oakland A’s and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.