Mariners could replace $6.25 million free agent signing at MLB trade deadline

The Seattle Mariners are 39-37, sitting atop the AL West, but their 1.5-game division lead isn't enough to feel comfortable with just yet.

To solidify their status as postseason contenders, they need to continue winning games, and to do so, they might need some help at the MLB trade deadline. One of the top needs for this team is a player at a position who could replace a $6.25 million signing.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic highlighted free-agent signing Rob Refsnyder, amid his disappointing start to the year, as someone the Mariners could look to replace with a trade for a right-handed hitter.

Mariners could replace Rob Refsnyder less than a year after $6.25M signing

"The Mariners are another team that could end up pursuing a right-handed bat," Rosenthal writes. "... Rob Refsnyder, whom the Mariners signed to a one-year, $6.25 million free-agent contract with the idea he would mash left-handed pitching, is batting .143 with a .456 OPS."

While the Mariners are contenders, they could use a bit more help, with a right-handed hitter, ideally in the outfield, the clear need for this team.

Fortunately, there's bound to be some interesting options they could add this summer by the August 3 trade deadline. Taylor Ward of the Baltimore Orioles, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, and Harrison Bader of the San Francisco Giants are realistic options.

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Buxton would be the best possible addition, though he's the least likely. Bader and Ward are more feasible trade targets, but there are bound to be other players who emerge as legitimate trade targets between now and the deadline.

Refsnyder's struggles this season have made him an obvious player the team should look to replace. Good right-handed hitters are a bit hard to come by, so the Mariners might not have the easiest time replacing Refsnyder this summer.

Rosenthal's report indicates the Mariners could pursue a right-handed hitter at this year's trade deadline. And if there's one player who could be replaced after such a move, it would be Refsnyder after he's disappointed following the $6.25 million signing.

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