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MLB Rumors: Blake Snell trade buzz, Braves-Cubs trade, Mariners targeting All-Star

By Cody Williams

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 31: Blake Snell #4 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on May 31, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 31: Blake Snell #4 of the San Diego Padres pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning at loanDepot park on May 31, 2023 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors, Seattle Mariners, C.J. Cron, Colorado Rockies
C.J. Cron, Colorado Rockies. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

MLB Rumors: Mariners targeting trade for Rockies star C.J. Cron?

After getting to the playoffs last season, the expectations for the Seattle Mariners in 2023 were sky-high and for good reason. With young superstar Julio Rodriguez headlining an enticing lineup and being accompanied by one of the better pitching staffs in baseball, the M’s seemed to be on the verge of legitimately contending.

The diamond, however, has not shown that as the Mariners are set to host the All-Star Game this week. They come into the break at just 45-44 on the season, six games back of the Rangers in the AL West and four games out of the wild card race as well. With that said, they aren’t giving up and could be buyers trying to change their outlook at the trade deadline.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic (subscription required), noted that the big need is for a potent bat to add more pop to a lineup that has ranked just 16th in runs scored this season. One name that the insider floated was Rockies first baseman and designated hitter C.J. Cron, an All-Star a season ago for Colorado.

Cron, who is set to hit free agency this offseason, has only played in 47 games due to injury this season, but has continued to be an excellent hitter, albeit a bit down with the time off seemingly interrupting his flow. He’s slashing .244/.286/.424 on the year, but the 33-year-old has a combined 57 home runs, 59 doubles and 194 RBI over the previous two seasons with the Rockies.

One roadblock for the Mariners, however, is that Seattle has already reportedly told teams that George Kirby is a non-starter in trades. Ad other young arms could be tough to justify moving given injuries to Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzalez this season that have tested the depth of the rotation already.

In actuality, this could come down to what the Rockies want for Cron as to whether or not the Mariners are in on pending free agent and, more importantly, if they’ll be able to land him.

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