5 center fielders the Philadelphia Phillies could trade for
2. Mitch Haniger/Mallex Smith, Seattle Mariners
As the Mariners fade after a terrific start to the season, they are reportedly moving toward full-on sell mode. Given how active general manager Jerry Dipoto has been since taking over, everything and everyone could very well be on the table.
Mariners are deep in sell mode. “Trying to trade everyone,” as one rival put it. Beyond Bruce, also talking about Encarnacion, Healy, Gordon, Beckham, Leake, etc. Talks said to be “ongoing” with Phillies on Bruce.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) June 1, 2019
Jay Bruce is just the start of a Seattle fire sale. The Mariners are looking to deal almost every veteran on their roster, sources tell ESPN, and have shown a willingness to eat significant money in doing so. In the Bruce trade, Seattle guaranteed Philadelphia 87% of money owed.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 3, 2019
In terms of outfielders, the Mariners have two who could appeal to the Phillies right away to play center field. Mallex Smith has speed (14 stolen bases this season) and defense, but not much else on a consistent basis, while Mitch Haniger offers power (26 home runs in 2018, 14 home runs so far this season) with the ability to play center field.
Haniger and Smith each have three years of team control left, so in that way they are both appealing trade assets. If Seattle really wants to offload as many guys as possible, contract status aside, maybe the Phillies could get Haniger and Smith in the same deal while also not having to part with any significant assets.