Trade targets to watch

The Mariners have at least dabbled in the markets at second base, third base, outfield, and bullpen, but the market is quite difficult to wade. Let's take a closer look.

Rather than ranking the potential targets as we did with free agency, let’s just tackle a bunch of players in no particular order of value or likelihood.

Considering the Mariners have two internal options that may be ready early in 2026 in Cole Young and Colt Emerson, players with multiple years of control but limited upside at second and third are a lot less likely to be on their radar.

Players such as Bryson Stott, Joey Ortiz, Xavier Edwards, and Ozzie Albies fit that bill (as do utility types such as free agent Willi Castro). It could help the club, but does it make sense? With such players, the trade cost is often based too much on the control years rather than projectable on-field performance.

On the podcast, we’ve discussed the unlikely possibility of the Cleveland Guardians moving Jose Ramirez, so we’ll leave that one alone. For now.