The Seattle Mariners have been in the market for a pitcher for most of the offseason. After the team signed Robinson Cano to a marquee contract, they insisted that a pitcher was all that was needed to finish off the offseason. After attempting to acquire Masahiro Tanaka, they were left empty handed. Now, a trade might be the best option.
The Mariners' pitching rotation as taken a hit over the past few days. On Wednesday it was announced that right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma will be sidelined for at least six weeks after straining a tendon in his right middle finger. He is expected to miss the start of the regular season which puts Seattle at a loss. Iwakuma finished third in the Cy Young race last season and while he will return, the Mariners need someone to back him up.
Things got worse on Thursday when top pitching prospect Taijuan Walker admitted to having shoulder soreness. While declaring it nothing major, the Mariners are now officially nervous about their starting pitching situation. Two injuries to two potential starters is not a great way to start spring training after missing out on the biggest free agent this offseason.
Baseball insider Ken Rosenthal reports the Mariners are looking around at their options and a trade could be something the team considers. The Philadelphia Phillies have been shopping around starter Cole Hamels for most of the offseason. The team just signed AJ Burnett to a contract and could explore negotiations once again. The Mariners have some prospects they could offer in return for Hamels.
Rosenthal believes the Mariners will look at the free agent market first before inquiring about the availability of Hamels. The team has touched base with Ervin Santana who may or may not be healthy to start the year. They are also going to likely consider Ubaldo Jimenez as an option. He has been sitting on the market for some time now with little interest surrounding him.
The Mariners were trying to work out a contract with big bat Nelson Cruz, but have put those negotiations on hold in order to search for a starting pitcher. Seattle is expected to make a signing this weekend if possibility which could rule out a trade.
