The Seattle Mariners are currently in possession of the third American League Wild Card spot at 44-40. They are six games behind the Houston Astros in the AL West.
For years, Seattle has had great pitching, but lacked enough offense in order to be a true contender. In order to climb the ladder in the AL West, they could stand to add another bat.
There will be several bats available at the trade deadline this year, which could be of interest to Seattle.
Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter predicts that Seattle will trade for Ryan O'Hearn after his hot start with the Baltimore Orioles.
"Aside from his production at the plate, O'Hearn also provides some useful defensive versatility with the ability to play first base and both corner outfield spots. That lines up with what the Seattle Mariners need to bolster their lineup," Reuter writes.
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O'Hearn is hitting .295/.381/.473 with 11 home runs, 30 RBI and an .854 OPS. He is a free agent at the end of the year.
Seattle would have to give up some pitching prospects, as that is what Baltimore needs in exchange due to their pitching injuries.
But Seattle could finally add a bat to boost their lineup and give them a better chance to chase down the Astros in the AL West. Seattle has not won the division since back in 2001.
The trades to acquire Justin Turner and Randy Arozarena didn't help them much last season, but O'Hearn provides power from the left side of the plate and can play first base as well as some outfield.
We'll see what Seattle decides to do, but this would be a significant upgrade.
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