Former GM: Mariners Must Make ‘Painful Trade’ at Deadline


The Seattle Mariners are currently in possession of a Wild Card spot in the American League, but there are teams lurking not far behind. And with just one playoff appearance in the last 24 years, they are desperate to capitalize on this opportunity. 

And while adding a bullpen arm is a likely scenario at the trade deadline, former MLB GM Jim Bowden insisted on Foul Territory that more is needed, especially on the offensive side of the ball. He's imploring M's president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto to "make a painful trade" to get his team over the hump.

While the Mariners have had this terrific starting rotation for a few years now, they just haven't had the offense to match. And while their standing amongst the other 31 teams on offense is better this year than it has been in recent seasons, it's still not good enough, in the former GM's opinion.

"They need another bat to lengthen that lineup and help out Cal Raleigh and Julio Rodriguez," said Bowden. "This window to win with all this great pitching isn't going to last forever...

"Seattle has to take advantage of this window. They have an owner that said to Jerry Dipoto that he will provide the money that it takes to make the big move at the deadline. So they have the resources financially. 

"(Also) They have as good and deep a farm system as any contending team right now. There's no excuses for Jerry Dipoto at this deadline. No excuses!"

So, look, you're gonna have to make a painful trade. You're gonna have to make a trade at this deadline that hurts. They're gonna have to trade a prospect that comes back and haunts them.

"But if they get (Eugenio) Suarez back, or they get (Josh) Naylor, and that's the difference... This is the Mariners' time. And I think there's as much pressure on Jerry Dipoto as there's ever been in his career."

The M's have eight of the top 100 prospects according to MLB Pipeline. They have the trade capital to land them a Suarez, who is currently 4th in the majors with 36 homers. Or a Naylor, who had a 31 HR, 108 RBI season last year, and actually has a better OPS (.807) and OPS+ (124) in 2025. His batting average is 50 points higher, and his on-base is 40 points higher. 

Landing either of those two would be a significant offensive boost, and really give the likes of Logan Gilbert, Bryan Woo, Luis Castillo and George Kirby a chance to shine in the playoffs. 

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