Fansided

MLB trade rumors: Each team’s best trade chip

By Joshua Sadlock

Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 3, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a solo-homer against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners designated hitter Nelson Cruz (23) hits a solo-homer against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fifth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Seattle Mariners: Nelson Cruz

This is just not the Mariners year, as every member of their starting rotation except Yovani Gallardo and Ariel Miranda has battled injuries. The injuries have not been limited to the starting pitchers, as Mitch Haniger, Jean Segura, and Robinson Cano have all missed time. All of the injuries have left the Mariners with a sub-.500 record.

Seattle’s offense has been strong, but the replacement starting pitchers have not been able to carry the load. They could attempt to wait until everyone gets healthy and make a push at the Wild Card or choose to sell a few pieces.

The Mariners have gotten one of the best deals in baseball on Nelson Cruz’s four-year, $57-million contract. In his three seasons with the Mariners, Cruz has an OPS well over .900 with two 40-homer seasons. He is on track for another 40-homer year in 2017.

Seattle has most of their core, save Cruz, signed beyond 2018. They do not need to be in win-now mode. GM Jerry Dipoto has been forced to cobble together the edges of his roster due to the inability of previous regimes to build a functional farm system. If the Mariners trade Cruz before his walk year, they may be able acquire several pieces who can help them win before Cano’s prime expires.

Dipoto and Co. should take a page out of the Yankees book from last season. The Mariners are not a terrible baseball team, but they are also not a World Series contender this year. Trading Nelson Cruz would allow them to get younger for another shot at the playoffs without significantly depleting the roster.

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