The Seattle Mariners went all-in during the 2022 regular season and the trade deadline.
They identified an opportunity to make the playoffs this year and made sure not to miss it.
Before the deadline, the Mariners sent four of their best prospects to the Cincinnati Reds to get star pitcher Luis Castillo.
Three of their top five prospects were included in the deal: shortstops Noelvi Marte (the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect) and Edwin Arroyo (No. 3), plus right-handers Levi Stoudt (No. 5) and Andrew Moore.
It was a lot of talent to give away, but in the end, it was more than worth it: Castillo was marvelous and will remain in Seattle for the next five years after agreeing to an extension.
Additionally, the Mariners will be in a good position to keep putting together a great farm.
“Mariners have their first round pick, a pick for Julio Rodriguez winning ROTY and the top pick in Comp Round A. They’re gonna replenish everything from the Luis Castillo trade. Will be able to float some really good talent down the board with overslot offers,” MLB writer @JL_baseball tweeted.
Mariners have their first round pick, a pick for Julio Rodriguez winning ROTY and the top pick in Comp Round A.
They're gonna replenish everything from the Luis Castillo trade. Will be able to float some really good talent down the board with overslot offers https://t.co/LtjK6K7gQS
— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) December 1, 2022
The Mariners Will Replenish Their Farm
Long story short, the Mariners will have three high draft picks in 2023, hoping to strike gold and get back some of the top prospect they recently dealt to the Reds.
With J-Rod leading the charge and a very talented young rotation of Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Robbie Ray, the Mariners will make another run at the postseason.
Additionally, at least for 2023, they will have a potent right-handed slugger in Teoscar Hernandez.
He is capable of hitting 30 balls out of the park and will essentially be a replacement for Mitch Haniger.
The Mariners are definitely a team to watch in 2023 and beyond.
