The Tigers made their move and now David Price has been traded to their team, Austin Jackson to the Mariners for Nick Franklin and the Pirates acquired Ben Zobrist in a deal with the Rays.
The Seattle Mariners are looking at a trade for David Price and Ben Zobrist from the Tampa Bay Rays as they make a playoff push and to get that deal done, the team will have to mortgage the future and that means likely dealing a package with names like Taijuan Walker, Brad Miller, Nick Franklin, Chris Taylor or DJ Peterson for Jack Zduriencik as the M's try and lock in the postseason with Felix Hernandez and Robinson Cano.
The Mariners have been looking at adding another pitcher and a right handed bat as they push into the second half and the Rays fit those needs along with some other teams. According to ESPN.com, the Mariners also are interested in Marlon Byrd, Dayan Viciedo and Josh Willingham along with Zobrist and Price. The team wants another pitcher to help manage the innings of rookie Roenis Elias and they also know that Chris Young has thrown this many innings in years. The team has Walker and James Paxton, but they have dealt with injuries and could also be potential trade targets.
Jon Morosi from Fox first reported about the news on the Mariners and it was speculated about for some time that the team could look at Price and Zobrist. Lookout Landing reports that the Mariners and Rays have been talking Zobrist for a batch of prospects, including names like Walker, Franklin and Brad Miller. The Rays would like a young shortstop and the Mariners have a glut of middle infielders, while someone like Zobrist could come in and play all over the field.
The Mariners are currently in wild card contention and they are weighing whether to give up a bit of their future to win now, as they have the chance to make the playoffs for the first time in a decade. The Mariners may also have to part with one or two of Chris Taylor, Austin Wilson, Edwin Diaz, and Victor Sanchez says Lookout Landing and while that is a ton to give up, it could be worth it. Over at MyNorthwest.com, the writers debated what the Mariners should do and they say that with Felix in his prime and pitching better than ever and Robinson Cano likely only going downhill, why not make the move now when the team is hot and in playoff position?
The Mariners had interest in Nick Franklin from earlier in the season from teams like the Orioles and Tigers, but now his stock is down a bit after struggling when he was called up to the majors. Franklin is still a very good prospect, but right now the team could look at trading him, as he is from the Orlando area and likely would welcome a move to Florida. Last season Franklin took over at second base and had a solid debut, but now with Robinson Cano there it really doesn't make sense for him apart from playing shortstop or the outfield.
The Mariners have a major decision to make and if Price is dealt, it would be a blockbuster. Even if he doesn't sign long term, he is under control next season and would net the team a first round pick if he leaves in free agency.
