Mariners Projected To Emerge As Trade Fit For $24 Million All-Star

The Mariners could be in the market to make a few more big moves during the offseason...
May 12, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Hat and glove of Seattle Mariners center fielder Dee Gordon (9) sits in dugout during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
May 12, 2018; Detroit, MI, USA; Hat and glove of Seattle Mariners center fielder Dee Gordon (9) sits in dugout during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images | Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners were seemingly one or two pieces away from walking home with the World Series title this year. Unfortunately for Mariners fans, they fell short in the American League Championship Series.

This offseason, the Mariners need to make some big moves to improve their roster. They've already re-signed star infielder Josh Naylor after he put together an incredible second half of the season this year. But they need to make moves to re-sign or replace infielders Eugenio Suárez and Jorge Polanco, too.

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Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel of ESPN recently listed the Mariners as a potential landing spot in a trade for Tampa Bay Rays All-Star infielder Brandon Lowe. Lowe would be the perfect replacement for Polanco at second base.

Mariners could swing a trade for Rays All-Star Brandon Lowe

Tampa Bay Rays infielder Brandon Low
Sep 16, 2025; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe (8) hits a RBI single ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

"A perpetual trade candidate, Lowe is in the final of two option years after a six-year extension. At $11.5 million, his contract is affordable enough that teams with holes at second base could try to wheedle the Rays into moving him," They wrote. "Tampa Bay loathes taking a step back, though, and considering the activity of the Rays' AL East compatriots, only a strong offer would do the trick.

"Lowe's defense at second base hovered around average to slightly below for most of his career, but it regressed to -9 runs last season while his baserunning value turned negative for the first time in his career. Lowe, 31, is beginning to regress physically but still has impact in the batter's box, leading to 31 homers and a .256 average last season."

There have been rumblings that the Mariners would look to re-sign Polanco after he put together a solid year, but trading for Lowe would be the best move possible.

He's on an affordable deal and would bring some addition pop to the lineup. Lowe slugged 31 home runs last season, which would be a huge difference maker alongside Cal Raleigh and Naylor.

Seattle also has enough prospect capital to make a deal come to fruition. Its system is loaded with talent that could be moved without crippling the future. The idea makes perfect sense.

More MLB: Eugenio Suárez Projected To Ditch Mariners For Deal With AL Contender


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Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “OnSI” network among others.