Marcell Ozuna replacements Braves can target via trade or free agency

2. Mitch Haniger, Seattle Mariners

Haniger had a breakout season for the Mariners in 2018, with 26 home runs and 93 RBI as he earned his first career All-Star nod. But injuries cost him 159 games over the 2019 and 2020 seasons, including all of last year.

Haniger is off to a nice start in 2021, with 14 home runs and 28 extra base hits (13 doubles) in 51 games. Over his last 15 games (entering Sunday), he’s hitting .304 with a .996 OPS and four home runs.

The Mariners are flush with young outfielders. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis is healthy now, and while he’s off to a slow start since being called up top prospect Jarred Kelenic is not going anywhere. Their No. 2 prospect, outfielder Julio Rodriguez, should be in the big leagues sooner rather than later.

Haniger is making just a little more than $3 million this year, before being arbitration-eligible for the final time. General manager Jerry Dipoto has never met a trade possibility he didn’t like since taking his post in Seattle, and Haniger is a prime target for contenders with an outfield need.

Via Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, an AL executive said it best.

“Jerry [Dipoto] is not afraid to pull the trigger,” an AL executive said, noting that Seattle’s GM has previously been willing to discuss Haniger in trade talks. “I can’t think of any reason why they wouldn’t (trade Haniger). They’ve finally got him healthy, he’s producing, so that seems like a pretty good one to move given where they are.”