The Seattle Mariners might have their sights set on baseball’s biggest trade target – Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Seattle’s pitching staff ranks among MLB’s top five, but their offense keeps holding them back. They’ve missed the playoffs two straight years because they can’t score runs. That’s where Guerrero could change everything.
The Blue Jays’ superstar first baseman is entering his final year before free agency, and Toronto hasn’t locked him up long-term yet. After finishing last in their division, they’re facing pressure to either extend him or consider moving him while his value’s high.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer proposed an intriguing package: The Mariners could offer Harry Ford, their top catching prospect, plus first baseman Tyler Locklear to land Guerrero.
“Of all the would-be contenders in MLB, none needs an impact bat as badly as the Mariners,” Rymer wrote. “Guerrero is about the best possible fix that the Mariners can hope for.”
Seattle’s farm system is loaded enough to win a bidding war. Thing is, Guerrero’s $28.5 million salary for 2024 is just the starting point. They’d need to think about a long-term extension too – we’re talking something around $500 million to keep him beyond this season.
The Mariners haven’t shown they’ll spend that kind of money. But they’re desperate for offense, and desperation sometimes leads to bold moves.
If Toronto does make Guerrero available, Seattle’s combination of prospect depth and urgent need for a big bat makes them an interesting dark horse. They’re probably not the favorites, but they’ve got the pieces to make it happen if they’re willing to go all-in.
