The Seattle Mariners are playoff contenders and should be buyers at this year’s trade deadline.
At 42-39, Seattle holds the third American League Wild Card spot and is six-and-a-half games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the AL West.
The Mariners are usually a stronger pitching team with a weak offense, but this season is different. Seattle’s offense is top 10 in Major League Baseball thanks to Most Valuable Player candidate Cal Raleigh.
Seattle should target some pitching upgrades but should look into upgrading the lineup to bolster their chances at a playoff berth.
Nick Selbe of Sports Illustrated predicts the Mariners will acquire Baltimore Orioles right fielder/first baseman Ryan O’Hearn
O’Hearn would be a great fit in Seattle and wouldn’t cost much.
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“O’Hearn can passably play first base and the corner outfield and has improved against lefties to the point where he’s not automatically relegated to the bench against southpaws,” wrote Selbe. “He’s a free agent after this season, so likely wouldn’t cost much to acquire, and could be a middle-of-the-order bat to boost a contending team’s lineup.”
O’Hearn, 31, is having a career-year in his third season with Baltimore. The lefty utility man has 11 home runs and 30 RBI while slashing .296/.383/.476 in 68 games.
Because of his versatility, O’Hearn will be a coveted trade target for contending teams. But, since he’s on an expiring contract, Baltimore probably won’t get much for him.
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