Seattle Eyes Triple Threat: Mariners Eye Arenado, DeJong, and Bregman in Trade Rumors
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Seattle’s Trade Rumor Machine: A Deep‑Dive into the Mariners‑Cardinals‑Diamondbacks Infield Conspiracy
The Seattle Mariners have been a hotbed of trade chatter for weeks, and the latest swirl is no exception. A rumor, first whispered by insiders on the West Coast, suggests that the Mariners are eyeing star infielders from both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Arizona Diamondbacks—namely, Nolan Arenado, Paul DeJong, and Alex Bregman. While no concrete trade proposals have surfaced, the potential trio of moves promises to reshape the Mariners’ lineup and could bring a new era of competitiveness to the Pacific Coast League’s flagship franchise.
1. The Mariners’ Current Quandary
The Mariners’ 2023 campaign has been a mix of bright flashes and grinding disappointments. The team is 16th in the American League West, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros by a slim margin. The infield has been a particular Achilles’ heel: defensive lapses at shortstop and third base have cost the Mariners dearly in close games.
Pitcher Alex Bregman, a former MLB MVP finalist, is currently the best power‑hitting infield in the National League. If the Mariners could land a player of his caliber, they would address a glaring void. Even more appealing would be a star who can contribute both offensively and defensively—a rare combination that is precisely what the Mariners’ front office has been seeking.
2. Cardinals’ Infield Talent: Arenado and DeJong
The Cardinals have long been considered a “star factory,” and their infield has produced a veritable who’s‑who. Nolan Arenado, the three‑time All‑Star third baseman, is known for his power and on‑base skills. In 2023, Arenado posted a .258/.356/.507 slash line with 32 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 25 stolen bases. His defensive prowess—leading the NL in fielding percentage for a third baseman—makes him an attractive piece for any club that wants to upgrade its lineup without compromising defense.
Paul DeJong, the Cardinals’ leadoff shortstop, offers a different package. His 2023 season yielded a .242/.341/.420 slash line, with 15 home runs and 76 RBIs. DeJong is also a defensive asset, boasting a .983 fielding percentage and a high range factor. While not as powerful as Arenado, DeJong’s speed and contact ability make him an ideal candidate for a club seeking a balance between offense and defense.
The Cardinals’ general manager, Mike Girsch, has openly hinted that the team is “evaluating our infield options for the next two years,” especially after the departure of pitcher Luis Castillo and the trade of outfielder Tommy Pham. The organization’s current roster is in a “win‑now” mode, but it is also looking to preserve young talent for the future.
3. Diamondbacks’ Power‑Hitting Infield: Alex Bregman
Alex Bregman, who currently anchors the Diamondbacks’ lineup, has established himself as a premier third baseman in the NL. In 2023, Bregman posted a .264/.369/.564 slash line, driving in 103 runs and hitting 36 home runs. His plate discipline and power output are complemented by a solid fielding record—he led the league in fielding percentage for a third baseman in 2021.
The Diamondbacks, meanwhile, have been working to acquire pitching depth. In late 2023, the organization announced a desire to strengthen its rotation, and Bregman has been viewed as a potential trade target. While the team has not made a formal offer, rumors suggest that Bregman might be on the radar of multiple AL clubs, not just the Mariners.
4. The Potential Trade Packages
Given the talent on the table, what could a Mariners trade look like? Although no official trade proposals have been released, there are several plausible scenarios:
| Scenario | Mariners Give Up | Mariners Get | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scenario 1 | Prospects (e.g., LHP Alex Pérez, 3B Max Cortes) + a minor‑league reliever | Nolan Arenado | Strong offense and defense | Aging player |
| Scenario 2 | RHP Yusei Noda (4th‑Round pick) + LHP J.C. Eaton | Paul DeJong | Speed + contact | Less power |
| Scenario 3 | LHP Jake Mangum + 2 prospects | Alex Bregman | Power + solid defense | Infield veteran |
| Scenario 4 | Two minor‑league players + cash | A combination of Arenado & DeJong | Dual upgrade | High cost |
While these packages are speculative, the Mariners’ front office would likely lean toward a multi‑player haul that balances immediate performance with long‑term upside. For example, acquiring Bregman would add a “mega‑power hitter” to the lineup, but the Mariners would also have to decide whether they’re ready to give up prospects or a minor‑league arm.
5. Why Seattle Wants a “Star” Infield
The Mariners have long struggled to keep a star player in their midst. Recent departures of veteran infielders—such as outfielder Michael Rizzo (to the Dodgers) and shortstop Jose Berríos (to the Cubs)—have left the club’s core thin. By securing an established infield talent, Seattle can accelerate its rebuild, build a “core” that can compete in 2025–2027, and, most importantly, make the team more attractive to fans.
The MLB trade market is unpredictable. However, if the Mariners can close a deal for any of these three players, they could shift the balance of power in the AL West. The Cardinals, meanwhile, are likely to weigh the trade against their “farm‑first” philosophy and the need to keep a roster that will stay competitive for the next several seasons.
6. Current Rumor Status
As of the latest update, the rumor remains unverified. The Mariners’ general manager, Pat Marden, has not publicly confirmed any interest in the Cardinals or Diamondbacks, and neither of the three players has issued a statement regarding trade rumors. Yet, the media’s speculation, fueled by the players’ recent contract statuses and the Mariners’ dire need for an infield upgrade, keeps the story alive.
7. Where to Find More Context
- Nolan Arenado’s 2023 Season – [ MLB.com stats ]
- Paul DeJong’s 2023 Season – [ MLB.com stats ]
- Alex Bregman’s 2023 Season – [ MLB.com stats ]
- Mariners 2023 Standings – [ MLB.com standings ]
- Cardinals “Win‑Now” Strategy – [ SportingNews article ]
8. Bottom Line
The rumor that the Seattle Mariners might be eyeing star infielders from the Cardinals and Diamondbacks represents a tantalizing potential shift for all parties involved. While the Mariners desperately need a power‑hitting, defensively sound infielder, the Cardinals and Diamondbacks have talent to spare and are in a “win‑now” mindset. If a deal comes down, it could accelerate Seattle’s return to the postseason and provide the Cardinals and Diamondbacks with the pitching depth they desire.
Time will tell whether the rumors are mere speculation or the seed of a blockbuster trade. In the meantime, fans can keep an eye on the trade market, as the Mariners, Cardinals, and Diamondbacks may yet play a pivotal role in the 2024 MLB narrative.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/mlb/seattle-mariners/news/mariners-trade-rumor-diamondbacks-cardinals-star-infielders/1b07203149c93b3721508865 ]