The Seattle Mariners are currently in a Wild Card spot and another star could propel the team to a deep playoff run.
The Seattle Mariners are playing great baseball right now, winning three straight games and seven of their last 10.
At 48-42, Seattle is firmly behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West but have a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox for the third AL Wild Card spot.
Seattle’s solid first half is a testament to Cal Raleigh. Raleigh leads Major League Baseball with 35 home runs, a week before the All-Star break.
His phenomenal season has him in the heart of AL Most Valuable Player conversations, and he being a great defensive catcher and playing every day makes his season much more impressive.
Despite Raleigh’s historic efforts, Seattle will need more firepower to really become contenders.
ESPN’s David Schoenfield devised several trade proposals for three star players, with the Mariners having the best proposal for a former MVP.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
The Atlanta Braves are reluctant to sell, and they surely don’t want to trade Ronald Acuña Jr., but with Atlanta being 11 games under .500 it’s possible they listen to offers for their superstar right fielder.
Acuña, 27, missed a large chunk of the season after tearing his left ACL in May 2024. Upon his return, Acuña sent the first pitch he saw 467 feet.
Overall, Acuña has nine home runs and 18 RBI while slashing .331/.450/.561 in 40 games this season.
Schoenfield’s proposal looks like this:
Seattle: RF Ronald Acuña Jr.
Atlanta: SS Colt Emerson (Seattle No. 1), RHP Bryce Miller, C Harry Ford (Seattle No. 5), OF Lazaro Montes (Seattle No. 2) and LHP Brandyn Garcia (Seattle No. 15)
“For the Mariners, Acuña would fit nicely at the top of the order or hitting second in front of Raleigh, allowing them to slide Julio Rodriguez lower in the lineup -- and maybe Acuña's presence would also help take some pressure off Rodriguez,” wrote Schoenfield. “Most importantly: Acuña's salary is a realistic fit even for the Mariners, who don't like to spend. And despite giving up three excellent prospects and a young starting pitcher, their farm system would remain strong. Plus, they have the No. 3 pick in this year's draft.”
This trade would instantly make the Mariners contenders and signal a retool/rebuild for the Braves.
More MLB: Cubs could move on from solid catcher after Miguel Amaya returns from injury
Category: Baseball
