Seattle Mariners: November mailbag – Face of the franchise and more
By Ed Stein
What starting pitcher is your number one target for the Mariners, trade or free agent?
Jordan Cordano – I think there are two ways to answer this question. One is who I would really like to see in a more dream scenario and two as a more realistic scenario. My dream would be the Mariners bring in Patrick Corbin who immediately would be the ace of the stuff. Corbin has a high strikeout rate and would thrive in Safeco.
His price tag will most likely be high since he is a free agent looking to make ace money. My realistic player would be Nathan Eovaldi. He has a very live fastball and was a key pitcher in the Red Sox World Series run so he would bring big game experience. Eovaldi isn’t an ace but would immediately be a good change of pace pitcher in the lineup assuming Paxton is a Mariner next season. With Felix, LeBlanc, and Leake not throwing over 90 mph anymore, he would fit right in.
Jaymin Bernhardt – The starting pitcher that is my number one target for the Seattle Mariners is Nathan Eovaldi. He isn’t the best pitcher in this year’s free agent class but I believe that he’s the best pitcher that we realistically can go out and get, without giving away the team. He started 11 games for the Red Sox last year with a 3-3 record and an ERA of 3.33. With a team so full of great pitchers, the Red Sox might be willing to haggle a bit more than if they didn’t have a great rotation.
Ed Stein – Most people reading this will think I’m nuts. In my opinion, the M’s should deal for Sonny Gray. I know he tanked with the Yankees last year, but hear me out. I grew up in New York and I’ve seen good pitchers struggle there because of the environment. Kenny Rogers, A.J. Burnett, and Nolan Ryan are three good examples. Seattle is a great place for Gray to resurrect his career, and he can be had on the cheap.
Matt Barry – I would say that Patrick Corbin should be the top target. He has played in Arizona and might be willing to play in Seattle. He is a very underrated pitcher and may not break the bank with his contract demands. Paired with James Paxton, this is the type of top of the rotation duo that could help improve the Mariners staff. I’m not sure the M’s could get the type of starter they need via trade with a weak prospect pool.
Herb Nightingale – When it comes to free agency, I would go with Patrick Corbin or Nathan Eovaldi. In major part, because they are the only two who are under 30 years old and the rest of the lot isn’t that impressive. Both of these guys are 29 and could have a few good years. Corbin is left-handed and is a strikeout pitcher so similar to James Paxton. This would make a good duo if Dipoto doesn’t trade Paxton. Eovaldi is a guy who will take the ball anytime and has playoff experience.