Seattle Mariners trade James Paxton. Deja vu or re-imagining?

The Seattle Mariners made their second trade of the offseason. This time it was pitcher James Paxton who was sent packing. We take a closer look at the deal.

The Seattle Mariners completed a four-player trade on Monday, sending James Paxton to the New York Yankees for three prospects Justus Sheffield, Erik Swanson, and Dom Thompson-Williams. When the story broke, Mariners fans likely had an all too familiar “oh no, here we go again” moment.

Who can blame them? Following the better part of two decades worth of questionable trades, acquisition of hot prospects, reworking the rosters, managerial and front office changes, and the seemingly endless pursuit of replenishing the farm system, as well as the next big thing draft choices that have flamed out in the big leagues. it’s to be expected.

Seattle has had a habit of trading established players, if not stars in the attempt to find the next Cy Young or American League MVP, and has, for the most part, failed miserably. Whether it be Justin Smoak, Casper Wells, or Jesus Montero Seattle has too often ended up on the short end of that attempt.

Disastrous trades such as the one for Erik Beddard, litter the Mariners record over the last couple of decades. It only makes sense that with the news of this latest trade there comes apprehension by even the most loyal of the blue fans.

This isn’t the Bill Bavasi led front office debacle, and it’s important for all of us to keep perspective. Since being named GM, Jerry Dipoto has shown a willingness to acquire and trade talent without reservation. To date, there’s little to lead one to believe that he doesn’t have the ability to do so with anything but the acumen of many of the finest GM’s in the Major Leagues. So I would encourage caution prior to writing off another season before a single pitch has been thrown.