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Mariners' Playoff Hopes Linked to Trade Targets and Former Player's Success

4 Trade Targets Who Could Solve the Mariners’ Biggest Problem The Mariners don’t need to build another offseason around collecting options. They should be in an aggressive pursuit of a position player who makes the lineup

By Karan VermaPublished 2 Min Read
Mariners' Playoff Hopes Linked to Trade Targets and Former Player's Success
Mariners' Playoff Hopes Linked to Trade Targets and Former Player's Success
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Mariners Evaluate Aggressive Trade Options for 2027

The Seattle Mariners are considering an aggressive pursuit of a position player to strengthen their lineup for the 2027 season, according to reporting from SInow. The analysis suggests that the team should move away from building future rosters around collecting minor league options and instead target established talent to make the lineup harder to pitch against. Miami Marlins second baseman Xavier Edwards has been identified as a potential trade target. During his time with Miami, Edwards slashed .280/.360/.371 with 21 stolen bases. He remains under club control through age 27. The Mariners have previously committed to Cole Young at second base and Colt Emerson at shortstop. This existing commitment complicates the defensive fit for Edwards, despite his contact skills and speed. Any potential acquisition would require the Mariners to navigate these roster constraints while determining what assets they would need to surrender in a trade.

Former Mariner Jake Bauers Hits NLCS Home Run

In National League Championship Series action on Oct. 14, 2026, former Mariner Jake Bauers hit a two-run home run during Game 3 for the Milwaukee Brewers against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The event took place in Los Angeles. Bauers, who played for the Mariners during part of the 2021 season, provided the go-ahead run with his homer in the seventh inning. His performance was the culmination of a strong regular season where he led the Brewers with 26 home runs and an .874 OPS before advancing to the playoffs. Bauers credited his wife’s pregnancy and desire to be a provider for motivating him to postpone retirement and change his approach to playing baseball. This personal motivation translated into on-field success, allowing him to contribute significantly to Milwaukee's playoff run against the Dodgers.

Market Context and Veteran Availability

While the Mariners look toward 2027, the broader market for veteran position players remains active. The Giants made veteran player Chapman available during the 2026 season. Chapman is owed $100 million over four seasons, holds a no-trade clause, and batted .235 with a .692 OPS before undergoing core-muscle surgery. The contrast between Edwards' profile and other available veterans highlights the complexity of trade negotiations. While Edwards offers contact skills and speed under team control, players like Chapman carry significant financial obligations and injury history that may deter teams seeking immediate lineup improvements.