Headed into the All-Star break, the Seattle Mariners seemed like surefire sellers at the trade deadline -- but not so anymore.
Mariners rumors: Seattle not planning on selling right now
Currently riding an eight-game winning streak, the M’s are in wait-and-see mode about what to do at the fast-approaching trade deadline.
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The M's entered their final series of the first half 12 games under .500 and 14 back of the division-leading Athletics, but since then have gone on a roll. Entering Wednesday, Seattle has won eight straight and surpassed the Los Angeles Angels in the AL West standings, leading the Mariners to inform potential trade partners that they're "not selling at all" right now, per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
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The Mariners added several veteran players on one-year deals over the winter, so it's long been assumed that the club could be interested in parting with a player or two this summer. Kendrys Morales, Michael Morse, Jason Bay, Raul Ibanez, and Joe Saunders are all set to hit free agency this winter, so the club is certainly not short of trade options if they decide to jump back into the market.
Ibanez likely the club’s best trade chip following his surprisingly powerful first half, but Saunders and Morales could also command a solid return from a contending team in search of rotation and/or first base help.
There’s exactly one week left until the July 31 deadline, so the M’s have a little time to return to their losing ways before they can’t sell anymore. And, of course, if the deadline comes and goes, they could always choose to move pieces on the waiver wire in August when potential contenders become even more desperate.
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