The recent trade on Sunday between the Mariners and the Braves, involving outfielder Jarred Kelenic, left-hander Marco Gonzales, and first baseman Evan White for right-hander Jackson Kowar and minor-league righty Cole Phillips, has certainly stirred up some thoughts. Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh’s public criticism of the team’s ownership for their apparent lack of spending echoes the sentiment of many fans. Meanwhile, the trade of third baseman Eugenio Suárez to the Diamondbacks and Sunday night’s deal will save the Mariners a combined $42 million in future commitments. The team even failed to offer outfielder Teoscar Hernández a $20.325 million qualifying offer. This frugal approach doesn’t seem fitting for a franchise that should be making big moves to secure top talent.
The fact that the Mariners are pulling back on spending is unexpected, especially after ending their 21-year playoff drought in 2022. With the estimated 2024 payroll standing just below $115 million, the team seems to be leaning towards the budget-conscious approach.
Raleigh’s words to reporters, which criticized the team’s lack of initiative in pursuing big-time pitchers and hitters, further highlight the Mariners’ stagnant position. His call to “commit to winning” emphasizes how the team should be proactive in securing top talent in the MLB.
Despite their top-tier ranking in attendance, the Mariners appear to be operating with a small-market mindset and are failing to capitalize on potential game-changing transactions.
As for the future, the Mariners might be gearing up to trade for affordable hitters with the added pitchers from the recent deal. This marks a potential shift in strategy that could see the team explore new additions. Rumors surrounding trade discussions with the Rays regarding Randy Arozarena and Isaac Paredes suggest a desire to bolster the team’s batting lineup.
Finally, it turns out the Mets might still be feeling the repercussions of giving up Jarred Kelenic in that infamous trade back in December 2018. Despite Kelenic’s struggles, the Braves still see potential in him, and his future performance could very well come back to haunt the Mets.
(Top photo of Jarred Kelenic: Bob Kupbens / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
