As of right now, the Seattle Mariners lead the Texas Rangers by 5.5 games in the American League West. One of the best starting staffs in baseball is in place; with an ERA of 3.41, they rank fifth overall and fourth in the American League; in terms of FIP, they rank eighth overall and fifth in the American League; in terms of WHIP, they rank first overall with a 1.03; and in terms of BB/9, they rank second in baseball. It’s only their bats that will prevent them from being a legitimate World Series contender in 2024.
With their pitching staff, the Mariners’ current 3.8 runs per game rate is manageable, but with the trade deadline fast approaching, there might be some bats available that could be added to move the team into the American League conversation with the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. Currently, they rank 28th in batting average with a.220, 27th in OBP with a.298, 24th in SLG with a.366, 24th in OPS with a.664, and 24th in runs scored with 273.
Three Bats: Luis Robert of the Chicago White Sox, who the Mariners may look to add to their roster
As of August 3rd, Robert will become 27 years old. It is well known that he is open to trade, but getting him would be extremely expensive. According to rumors, the White Sox are seeking a deal similar to what the Washington Nationals received for Juan Soto a few years ago. Robert’s current deal expires at the end of the following campaign, however he may negotiate an extension with his new team. He has hit.276 with an OPS of.828 over his first five seasons; he has also racked up 86 doubles, two triples, 81 home runs, 220 RBI, 228 runs scored, 47 stolen bases, and 86 walks.
He has only played in 16 games this season, but in those games he has a.845 OPS, seven home runs, two doubles, 10 RBI, nine runs scored, one stolen base, and five walks. In 12 games over his career at T-Mobile Park, he is batting.159 with two doubles, four home runs, seven RBI, and six runs scored; he finished with a 3-12 record against the Mariners in Seattle. Although the Mariners are unlikely to deal for Robert, he is a player to keep an eye on.
Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets
Alonso, who will be a free agency at the end of this season, is 29 years old. It has been claimed that he is seeking a $200 million contract extension. It appears that the Mets have no interest in doing that and maintaining Alonso. He is hitting.249 in his sixth season with the Mets, with an OPS of.861; he has 206 home runs, 530 RBI, 440 runs scored, 127 doubles, seven triples, 530 RBI, 15 stolen bases, and 314 walks. He has a.774 OPS this season while hitting.233. He has 26 walks, 16 doubles, 14 home runs, 32 RBI, and 38 runs scored. Alonso would make a good addition to this lineup, is probably going to be available, and might not cost as much as one might anticipate.
SS: Toronto Blue Jays’ Bo Bichette
The Blue Jays might decide not to sell now that they’re winning, but if they do, Bichette might be a name to consider moving. Like Robert, he turned 26 in March, and he won’t be a free agent until 2026. He is batting well through his first six seasons of the league.293 with an OPS of.806; he has 93 home runs, 340 RBI, 353 runs scored, 141 walks, 143 doubles, and seven triples. He’s batting well this season.240 with a.633 OPS; he has four home runs, thirteen doubles, a triple, twenty-eight RBI, twenty-two runs scored, four stolen bases, and fourteen walks. He has hit in eight games at T-Mobile Park.259 with eight runs, seven RBI, two home runs, and three doubles. The Jays recently dealt Cavan Biggio to the Dodgers; if they lose, Bichette might be a name to watch. He would be a fantastic addition to the Mariners offense.
Conclusion
Which of the three bats would you bring in for the Mariners, or would you prefer add a different player that might be available at the deadline?
