One waiver trade deadline deal every MLB team should make

Jul 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and manager Jeff Banister (28) speak to media before the game between the Rangers and the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

27 of 31

Jun 23, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Seth Smith (7) hits an RBI-single against the Kansas City Royals during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

54-63, 9 GB AL West. 6.5 GB AL Wild Card. Seattle Mariners. 26. player. 62.

Things obviously haven’t gone according to plan for the Seattle Mariners in 2015, which were forced to be sellers at the non-waiver trade deadline. After parting with pitchers J.A. Happ and Mark Lowe, as well as outfielder Dustin Ackley, the club currently sits at 54-63 overall, 6.5 games out of the second spot in the Wild Card race.

Should the Mariners be interested in continuing its selling in August, options are likely to include outfielder Seth Smith and reliever Fernando Rodney.

The 32-year old Smith has hit .253/.326/.441 with nine home runs in his first 100 games this year, but is in the first year of a contract that will pay him $6.75 million in 2016, plus a $7 million team option in 2017. He would provide outfield depth and a left-handed bat for teams like the Angels, Rays, Orioles, Nationals or Giants, which could all use one. Right now, the O’s might be the best fit.

The M’s would love to get rid of Rodney, who will be a free agent at the end of the year. If a team is willing to take any of the remainder of his $7 million 2015 salary, Seattle would probably toss the 38-year old former closer and his 5.21 ERA in 48.1 innings this season. The two-time All-Star has postseason experience, which gives him some value.

Next: Tampa Bay Rays

Home/Arizona Diamondbacks