MLB Trade Rumors: Which Players Are Seattle Mariners Looking to Unload?

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

The Seattle Mariners were having a surprisingly decent season for almost the entire first half.

A nine game losing streak later and once again the Mariners will be looking to ship off some of their team in an attempt to get younger. It's funny how quickly things can change. Just two weeks ago they were right in the thick of the AL West race and were reportedly set to upgrade the offense.

Now its a question of who is on the trading block.

When it comes to the Mariners, it's pretty clear what their strengths and weaknesses are. They have an incredible pitching staff that features two of the premier hurlers in the game with Felix Hernandez and Michael Pineda.

They aren't available.

But according to Danny Knobler of CBS Sports, even the players on the block will likely stay put:

The names that have been floated, according to sources, are Jason Vargas and Doug Fister -- and not Felix Hernandez or Michael Pineda.

It's not certain how anxious the Mariners are to make a deal. One source described it more as "throwing bait out there, to see what interest there is." One issue is how much the Mariners value second-half wins that would make their final record look respectable, even if catching the first-place Rangers has already become a huge longshot.

In a market where multiple teams are searching for starting pitching, there could be significant interest. Fister is 3-11, but has a 3.18 ERA and good secondary numbers. Vargas has a 3.68 ERA and is tied for the league lead with three shutouts.

Fister is a great option for a team like the Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals and Cincinnati Reds. Obviously Seattle will want young guys that are on the cusp of playing everyday...and can hit.

The Mariners offense is the worst in baseball for the second year in a row and acquiring a guy that can get on base is imperative.

Making a move sounds like a long shot at this point—but expect Fister or Vargas to be the guys to say adios.

—Eric Ball

Most recent updates:

• Rich Harden: Why Red Sox Would Be Stupid to Add Injury Prone Hurler
• Michael Bourn: How He and Drew Stubbs Will Make Reds the Fastest NL Team
• Phillies Trade Rumors: Philadelphia Needs Jim Thome’s Bat off Bench
• View all updates

What is the duplicate article?

Why is this article offensive?

Where is this article plagiarized from?

Why is this article poorly edited?