The Boston Red Sox and Seattle Mariners were the subjects of frequent trade rumors over the offseason.
Both sides have numerous players who could help the other — Boston's farm system is overflowing with more position player talent than it knows what to do with, and Seattle's rotation is one of the strongest in the American League without adequate bats to back it up. The Mariners and Red Sox will begin their first series of the year on April 22 at Fenway Park, and both teams can get a look at any potential trade candidates for the future.
Multiple reports of impending trades between the Sox and Mariners surfaced over the winter, mostly revolving around first baseman Triston Casas. The highest profile among them was a proposed salary dump, in which Boston would trade Casas and Masataka Yoshida to Seattle in exchange for veteran pitcher Luis Castillo.
Seattle Times reporters Ryan Divish and Adam Jude also reported in early December that the Mariners rejected a trade involving Casas that would send one of their younger starters, either Bryan Woo or Bryce Miller, to Boston.
Obviously, those trades never came to fruition, since those players remain with their respective teams, but that doesn't mean the two parties won't continue their conversations. They have many of the same needs as last season, and Seattle's front office seems to have entered a conservative spending mindset, much like the Sox's front office in the last half-decade.
Red Sox-Mariners series could be showcase for potential trade options at the deadline or in the offseason
The Mariners' outfield, in particular, leaves much to be desired on offense. Dylan Moore (.316/.371/.596) is their only outfielder who's found any consistency at the plate so far, while their franchise player, Julio Rodriguez, struggles with a .188/.310/.365 slash line in 22 games.
The Red Sox have outfielders to go around with Jarren Duran, Wilyer Abreu, Ceddanne Rafaela, Rob Refsnyder, Masataka Yoshida and Roman Anthony all fighting for roster spots this year. Kristian Campbell can also play in the outfield and top prospects Jhostynxon Garcia, Miguel Bleis and Allan Castro will need big league spots within the next two years.
Boston also has a well-documented surplus of middle infielders, with Campbell, Trevor Story, Vaughn Grissom, Marcelo Mayer and Mikey Romero all in need of a place to play. Seattle is slashing just .224/.320/.394 as a team, and an offensive boost would help balance its squad.
The Mariners' rotation hasn't stood out as much as last year, with a 4.13 ERA between its starters over 113.1 innings. The Sox's rotation has actually fared better, with a 3.75 ERA in 129.2 innings. The Red Sox have already finished their season series against the White Sox, though, who have some of the weakest bats in the league.
Still, any and all pitching reinforcements could help the Red Sox stay strong down the stretch and dominate in a wide-open American League East. The Mariners will also need more than just Cal Raleigh's bat to get them into the playoffs in the AL West. Their April 22-24 series could be a valuable showcase of potential trade options for both sides after their failed trade attempts this offseason, and a trade would be the easiest way for Boston to clear its roster bloat.