2015 Seattle Mariners: Five Bold Predictions

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; San Diego Padres left fielder

(10) follows through on a swing against the Seattle Mariners during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

2) Justin Upton is a Mariner by the Deadline

Owed $14.5 million in 2015, Justin Upton would be an expensive addition to the club, but the 27 year-old outfielder is on the last year of his contract and is exactly the rental the Seattle Mariners need to make a playoff run. The M’s have a multitude of young talent that has come to fruition but has nowhere to play. Between D.J. Peterson, Roenis Elias and Danny Hultzen, I see Jacky Z making a deal at the deadline to bolster the lineup heading into September and beyond.

The Mariners have shown interest in Upton in the past, agreeing on a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks prior to the 2014 season, only to have it vetoed by the five-tool outfielder. That being said, trading for Justin Upton would be a great opportunity for the M’s to lock up a fantastic young player for years to come, and something tells me that this time he would be a bit more excited about dawning a Mariners uniform.

Next: Another Young Star Blossoms