Isn’t Domingo Santana supposed to be one of the buildings blocks for the future? Is he really on the trading block, and if so, do you have any idea on the potential return?
-- Pim S., Wageningen, Netherlands
The Mariners acquired Santana for Ben Gamel primarily because they needed a right-handed power bat to help balance a very lefty-heavy lineup, particularly after the departure of Nelson Cruz, and he’s certainly helped in that regard. But Santana only has two more years before hitting free agency after the 2021 season, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see Jerry Dipoto trade him if he can bring back prospects who fit more in the longer-term view.
Santana’s defensive issues limit his value both to the Mariners and others. He looked much better in right field, but Seattle has Mitch Haniger under team control for three more seasons, and he should be back in a few weeks. Daniel Vogelbach appears set as the designated hitter, and he has four more years of team control.
With young outfield prospects Kyle Lewis, Jake Fraley, Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodriguez on the way, it’s not hard to see how Dipoto would opt to move Santana if he can get a decent prospect return, whether now or next winter. There’s not much market for designated hitters, so Santana’s current elbow issue might limit the potential return right now.
Will Roenis Elias be traded?
-- Kyle W., Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Relievers are definitely the hot ticket in the trade market, given virtually every contending team is looking to beef up its bullpen for the stretch run. So, yes, Elias could definitely be moved. Right-hander Anthony Bass is quietly having a very nice season as well and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him dealt.
Are there any logical trades that Dipoto could make to get another blue-chip prospect like Kelenic?
-- Colby F., Gig Harbor, Wash.
No, the Mariners don’t have any blockbusters waiting as they’re more in on the second- or third-tier type deals heading into Wednesday’s 1 p.m. PT Trade Deadline. You don’t land a Kelenic-type prospect without giving up an All-Star talent like Edwin Diaz, and Seattle doesn’t have a lot of those just sitting around. But Dipoto won’t hesitate to pull the trigger whenever he can parlay a short-term player into a longer-term prospect, so I’m sure there’ll be some action.
Is there any benefit to the Mariners in letting Felix Hernandez pitch? Would the innings not be better used on a prospect gaining experience?
-- Michael D., Glasgow, Scotland
Innings aren’t really the issue at this point. The Mariners could call up prospects at any point and give them experience instead of veterans like Tommy Milone or Wade LeBlanc, but most of their top young arms aren’t quite ready for that jump. Though I do expect to see Justus Sheffield back soon, particularly if Mike Leake is traded by the Deadline.
Felix’s issue is more a matter of whether he can get healthy and ready to pitch at the big league level in the final two months. It would be nice for him -- and Mariners fans -- if he was able to make a final appearance at T-Mobile Park before his contract expires. But Hernandez's velocity and command didn’t look good in his live batting-practice session Sunday and there are growing questions about whether he’ll ever pitch again for Seattle.
Who might we see out of our top prospects come up during the roster expansions in September? Anybody exciting?
-- Dylan U., Tumwater, Wash.
The rules will change next year so that rosters can only be expanded to 28 in September, so I expect the Mariners to take advantage of this final unlimited callup season to give a number of their young guns a taste of the big leagues. Sheffield figures to already be here by September, but we could see Lewis, Jake Fraley, Evan White, Justin Dunn and others in the final month this year.
What are your thoughts on Austin Nola? Late bloomer or just a fluke that’s going to come crashing down to Earth?
-- Sean C., Tacoma, Wash.
I don’t expect the 29-year-old rookie to continue putting up a .313/.371/.547 line as he’s done in his first 30 games, but there is huge value in a utility player who can catch, and he’s certainly carving out a nice niche for himself and taking full advantage of his first shot in the big leagues.
With Dee Gordon going on the 10-day injured list and Hunter Strickland recently coming off it, what does this mean in terms of if they get traded before the deadline?
-- Easton A., Spokane, Wash.
Their uncertain health situations make it very difficult to move them, which is also true with several relievers on the IL. And with new rules eliminating waiver trades in August, it's now or never in the next two days for teams to make these decisions, and that definitely limits Dipoto's options.