MLB Trade Rumors: Felix Hernandez Is off Limits

As the ace of a staff for a Seattle Mariners squad that spends most of its time in the cellar of the AL West, Cy Young winner Felix Hernandez has again said (via The Seattle Times) that he wants to remain in Seattle.

The Mariners, of course, haven't made the postseason since 2001, when they went 116-46.

Recently, Hernandez's name has been connected to trade rumors, and despite Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal's article that dealing Hernandez wouldn't be a bad option for the Mariners, apparently the Seattle brass disagrees.

Rosenthal (via Yardbarker) is now reporting that the Mariners have released a list of players who are off limits. Players on that list include Dustin Ackley, Kyle Seager, Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, James Paxton, Nick Franklin and, you guessed it, Felix Hernandez. 

Considering the Mariners currently hold the title of the AL's worst record (36-51), they may want to re-think holding off on dealing at the deadline.

Seattle clearly isn't going to contend for a postseason spot this season, and it'll likely be a few seasons until they're in that position.

King Felix is monster on the mound, but one great arm isn't going to help an offense that ranks No. 25 in runs and No. 29 in OBP.

He also can't go out there and pitch every game for the M's, who rank No. 21 in quality starts.

I can understand holding onto these players—especially Hernandez—if Seattle has plans to add a starter and some more offense to the lineup, but there hasn't been any indication of that happening.

According to MLBTradeRumors.com,the Mariners could see offers for Jason Vargas, Kevin Millwood, Brandon League, Miguel Olivo and Brendan Ryan, but do we really think those names will yield an offensive slugger or ace arm?

Vargas and Millwood are a combined 11-13 with a 3.88 ERA. League is an average relief pitcher, Olivo has just 35 hits in 174 AB (.201) and Ryan is hitting .187.

At this point, Seattle should start bolstering its list of players to trade and start rebuilding for the future, even if that includes dealing King Felix.

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