MLB Trade Deadline: 5 moves the Seattle Mariners should make

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 03: Detailed view of a Seattle Mariners logo baseball bag on the field before the game against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on April 3, 2014 in Oakland, California. The Oakland Athletics defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-2 in 12 innings. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

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Jul 10, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Zack Cozart (2) rounds third base and scores a run during the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Zack Cozart

The Reds hold more than just one item that could represent a substantial upgrade in Seattle, with Cozart perhaps representing even more of an improvement to the Mariners offering than even Bruce could.

Shortstop has been a position of ‘restlessness’ in Seattle in recent years. This season, they have mostly deployed talented youngster Ketel Marte in the role, but his .657 OPS leaves things to be desired on the production front. And for a team that is looking to make the most of its strongest showing in recent years, immediate upgrades of any sort have to be considered.

Enter Cozart, who is in line for Comeback Player of the Year honors in the National League. He has rebounded from knee surgery that limited him to 53 games a year ago with 15 home runs, which ties his career-best 2012 total. In addition, he has driven in 41 runs and carries a .790 OBP, which is much better than the marginal showing the Mariners have seen from the position thus far.

Cozart could come to be a mainstay in Seattle as well, as they continue to push for the most out of their current establishment on their roster. Solid shortstop play is invaluable and tough to find, so an all-out pursuit of Cozart would be investment in both their pennant chase and positioning moving ahead.

Next: 3. Jeremy Hellickson

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