Mariners Show Interest In Rays Starters

According to Jon Morosi, the Mariners have been in contact with the Rays and Reds about acquiring a starting pitcher. The Rays FO is clearly number one on the Mariners speed dial.

To say there has been recent trade history between the two clubs would be an understatement. Last month the Rays sent Richie Shaffer and Taylor Motter to the Mariners for three minor leaguers. Last season they acquired Brad Miller for Nate Karns. At the end of spring training 2015 the Rays received Erasmo Ramirez for Mike Montgomery. The Mariners also found their way in middle of the David Price trade by sending Nick Franklin to the Rays.

Now that the Mariners have traded Ketel Marte to the Diamondbacks it’s unlikely the Rays pickup yet another Mariners middle infielder. In the trade they also sent Taijuan Walker which opened up a spot in their rotation. Nate Karns is currently in competition for the fifth spot. Karns had a rough 2016 in the rotatation, so the Mariners are looking for something better.

The Rays have many options available. I don’t know what pieces the Rays would be interested in right now. I couldn’t imagine the Mariners moving the pieces to acquire Chris Archer or Jake Odorizzi. They could be shopping in the Alex Cobb or Drew Smyly tier or even look to reacquire Erasmo Ramirez.

I liked Mitch Haniger while he was with the Diamondbacks. The community’s white whale Dan Vogelbach currently resides in Seattle. Who else would you like to see the Rays target from the Mariners?