The MLB trade deadline is coming up and that means trade rumors around the league and names like Matt Kemp, David Price, Ben Zobrist, Starling Marte, Tommy Milone, John Danks and Cliff Lee are potential targets for teams, including the Seattle Mariners, Detroit Tigers and NY Yankees as the July 31 deadline gets closer.
The Mariners and Tigers are in playoff position right now, while the Yankees are close in the AL east and all three teams have needs heading into the second half of the season. According to the Seattle Times, the Mariners are looking for a right handed bat as well as more pitching and that could get even more necessary if Roenis Elias is injured after leaving the game on Monday against the Mets. The Tigers have needs in the outfield, while the Yankees are completely ravaged in the rotation and they need some more arms heading down the stretch.
The Mariners are looking at a number of players and according to reports, the team has David Price, Ben Zobrist and Starling Marte in their sights. The team has been talking with the Rays for some time about a deal and Price has also been a target for the Indians and the Cardinals. Price is under team control this season and next and while most teams want a commitment from him, reports say the Mariners are not worried about that.
The Mariners see this as a time to strike, as they have Robinson Cano as young as he will be with the M's, while Felix Hernández is pitching some of the best ball of his career. This window may not be open for long and the team is over .500 and in the wild card spot for the first time in a decade and that is why they could make a deal. The team is willing to trade players like Taijuan Walker and Nick Franklin for Price, but it may take more than that and they are not worried about Price leaving after next season, as they would get a draft pick if he does that. Zobrist would be huge, as the Mariners need flexibility in their lineup, as they have too many lefties in the lineup right now.
According to Hardball Talk, Tommy Milone has asked for a trade from the Athletics after going 6-0 with a 2.55 ERA and getting demoted and this comes after the A's made the big trade with Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel. The 27 year old could be a target for teams in need of pitching and the Mariners could be an option, but they are in the division, so probably not, although the A's have said they are interested in Franklin according to reports.
David Price is the top option on the market and the rays will be terying to get the most they can for him. The Cardinals want a commitment from Price before making a deal, while the Mariners are not as worried. The second wild card messes with the deadline, but there could be moves this season.
