The Seattle Mariners are struggling, but it’s not because of their free agent signings. While players like Jesus Montero, Brendan Ryan, Dustin Ackley and Justin Smoak have all struggled to create a strong core for Seattle, guys like Jason Bay, Kendrys Morales and Raul Ibanez have offered excellent value to Seattle offensively.
The Mariners are 34-43, good for third place in the AL West and 9.5 games out of a playoff spot. By this time next month, Seattle would be wise to be sellers.
Morales is a switch-hitting first baseman, currently hitting .275/.334 in a hitter’s park at 30-years-old. The Cuban born hitter has nine home runs and 43 RBI and his injury issues appear to be behind him.
Similarly, Ibanez is having a solid season. Ibanez, the postseason Yankees’ hero in 2012, has clubbed 17 HR and 42 RBI to go with a .240/.282 slash line. Ibanez has hit just two home runs than he did all of last season in 205 less plate appearances. At 41-years-old, Ibanez would be a hired gun through and through for a contending team and would not generate nearly as much of a return, but still makes for an intriguing deadline name.
Coincidentally, the Yankees would likely be in on both players with Ibanez offering home run power and Morales a potential replacement in case Mark Teixeira requires surgery for his wrist injury.
The Yankees, Giants, Nationals, Pirates, Rangers, Tigers and Reds could all be in play for Ibanez depending on how they feel about his ability to play the field.
Meanwhile, the Yankees, Athletics, Orioles and Pirates would appear to be the favorites in a potential Morales deal barring any injuries over the next month to other teams.
