Should the team sacrifice part of its future to focus on immediate success?
The Seattle Mariners have had a relatively quiet offseason compared to most teams. With the majority of valuable free agents already signed, Seattle will likely need to put together an enticing trade package if they hope to bolster their lineup for the upcoming season.
One glaring need is at first base, where the options are rapidly dwindling. While there’s still a slim chance they could land one of the few remaining power hitters, banking on that outcome might be overly optimistic given the Mariners’ history. Instead, could the Tampa Bay Rays offer a pathway to a game-changing deal?
According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the Rays have previously shown interest in Mariners’ prospect Harry Ford. This interest aligns well with Seattle’s needs, as Tampa players like Yandy Díaz and Brandon Lowe could address key gaps in the Mariners’ lineup. The potential deal seems like a win-win for both teams.
For the Mariners, acquiring a player of Díaz’s caliber could provide the power boost they’ve been seeking. Two years ago, Díaz won a batting title, earned a Silver Slugger, and finished sixth in AL MVP voting. Although his 2024 season was slightly underwhelming, he still posted a 116 OPS+ with 31 doubles and 14 home runs.
Despite his modest home run numbers, Díaz excelled in key metrics like average exit velocity (92.2 mph) and hard-hit rate (48.7%), placing him among the league’s top hitters. His low launch angle, typically around five degrees, limits home runs but results in consistent line drives for singles and doubles. Unlike many sluggers, Díaz combines power with excellent swing discipline, boasting chase and whiff rates more akin to a contact-oriented infielder.
On the other side of the deal, Harry Ford—ranked as the No. 49 prospect in baseball and No. 7 among catching prospects—offers significant promise. In 2024, he spent the season with Double-A Arkansas, recording a .745 OPS and a 119 wRC+. Scouts have praised Ford’s athleticism, speed, and on-base skills, though his catching mechanics, including framing and controlling the running game, still require refinement. Despite this, there’s optimism about his ability to stay behind the plate at the MLB level.
A trade for Díaz would also provide financial relief for the Rays, a team notoriously careful with their budget. Díaz is set to earn $10 million in 2025, with a $12 million option for 2026. Considering the Rays operated with a payroll of roughly $90 million in 2024, shedding Díaz’s salary could ease some financial strain, especially amid ongoing challenges with their stadium situation. For Seattle, such a move could jump-start an offseason that’s been slow to gain traction.
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