You can’t deny that there is a superb business partnership going on between the Seattle Mariners and the Cincinnati Reds.
The two teams are obviously living different realities.
The Reds decided to sell well before the season started, and traded or failed to retain most of their good/expensive assets.
As a result, they have a mediocre 42-61 record so far before Wednesday’s games.
The Mariners, on the other hand, were on the verge of making the playoffs last year, and fortified a strong core with some additions, both before the campaign started and before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
In both instances, the Mariners and the Reds worked out blockbuster deals.
Before the season, the Reds sent Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez to Seattle in exchange for prospects Justin Dunn, Brandon Williamson, Jake Fraley, and a player to be named later or cash.
Now, prior to the deadline – four days ago, in fact – the Mariners brought in star pitcher Luis Castillo in exchange for shortstops Noelvi Marte and Edwin Arroyo and right-handers Levi Stoudt and Andrew Moore.
Both Teams Got What They Wanted
The second package is actually more impressive than the one the Reds got for Winker and Suarez, but they are both good.
Now, the 57-49 Mariners look poised to fight for a postseason spot, and the rebuilding Reds have been able to stockpile quality prospects and players with low service time for their future contention window.
Marte, in particular, is very impressive, and could be one of the league’s best shortstops within the next five years.
Seattle, meanwhile, is relying heavily on Suarez and Winker to win games recently.
It’s a Cincinnati #Reds alumni victory, 7-3, over the #Yankees https://t.co/hRQrdQ1eVI
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) August 3, 2022
The two men homered on Wednesday against the Yankees, and look ready to have a strong second half.
Seattle certainly needs both at the top of their game to make it into October.
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