The Seattle Mariners have had a relatively quiet offseason, and as spring approaches, questions remain about how the team plans to address noticeable holes in its lineup. While Seattle was able to bring back Josh Naylor, the club has still lost significant offensive contributors in Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez. Those departures have left the Mariners searching for reliable ways to replace lost production and stabilize an offense that struggled with consistency at times last season.
One potential solution has been suggested by Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter, who believes the Mariners could look to the trade market for help rather than waiting on internal development alone. Reuter floated the idea of Seattle pursuing Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Yandy Díaz, a proven hitter who also happens to be a former teammate of Mariners star outfielder Randy Arozarena.
In Reuter’s proposed scenario, the Mariners would acquire Díaz to serve primarily as their designated hitter. In return, the Rays would receive shortstop Nick Becker and catcher Josh Caron. While hypothetical, the trade framework highlights Seattle’s willingness to part with young talent in order to add a dependable bat to the middle of the order.
Reuter explained that if the Mariners plan to rely on a mix of Cole Young, Ben Williamson, and Colt Emerson at second and third base, it increases the burden on the rest of the lineup to generate offense. With those infield spots potentially handled by younger players, adding a steady veteran presence like Díaz could help balance the lineup. Reuter also noted that Dominic Canzone could slide into right field following his strong breakout campaign in 2025, while Victor Robles would move into a reserve outfielder role. Díaz, meanwhile, would slot in as the everyday designated hitter.
Díaz’s offensive production last season supports the idea that he could be a major boost for Seattle. Over 150 games, he posted an impressive .300 batting average with a .366 on-base percentage and a .482 slugging percentage, good for an .848 OPS. He also recorded 29 doubles, 25 home runs, and 83 runs batted in, showing a blend of power and consistency that the Mariners’ lineup currently lacks.
Beyond the raw numbers, Díaz is known for his elite contact skills and disciplined approach at the plate. Adding him would immediately improve Seattle’s ability to put the ball in play and sustain rallies, an area that has been a recurring issue for the club. Paired with hitters like Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Arozarena, Díaz would help form a more well-rounded and dangerous offensive core.
Financially, the move would also make sense for Seattle. Díaz is playing on a one-year, $12 million contract with a club option for $10 million in 2027, making him a relatively affordable addition. Even beyond that, he is projected to command a manageable two-year, $33 million deal on the open market.
If the Mariners are serious about taking the next step, targeting a player like Yandy Díaz could be a smart and timely move. The question now is whether the front office will act on opportunities like this and begin serious trade discussions.
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