The Seattle Mariners have been rumored to be entertaining trade inquiries on a few of their starting pitchers amid their six-man-deep rotation.
Emerson Hancock has been a very intriguing trade target for clubs, while veteran Luis Castillo is a clear option to be dealt. But now, just a few days before the deadline, a new pitcher has emerged as a trade option.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, the Mariners have had trade conversations with teams about the availability of right-handed All-Star starter George Kirby. Those conversations might actually lead to a deal, as Seattle is open to moving Kirby this summer.
Mariners trade rumor might lead to George Kirby deal
“Multiple teams have engaged the Seattle Mariners on a potential trade for right-hander George Kirby and get the sense he is available and could be moved before the Aug. 3 deadline, sources tell ESPN,” Passan reports.
The Mariners are 3.0 games back in the AL Wild Card at a 53-58 record. They also happen to be 3.0 games back in the AL West behind the Houston Astros.
While it’s not over yet, they clearly need to shake things up and improve the roster if they want to make it back to the postseason later this year.
They’ve been in trade talks about their rotation, with their six-man rotation being a strength worth trading from. But all of those rumors have revolved around Castillo and Hancock.
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Now, Kirby has become a legitimate trade option for clubs, as the 28-year-old right-hander has a chance to be traded this summer by Seattle.
This season, Kirby has an 8-9 record with 1.3 bWAR and a 3.98 ERA in 20 starts. He most recently allowed seven earned runs in 4.0 innings in a loss to the Texas Rangers, and less than a week later, he is now among the pitchers the Mariners could trade.
Kirby could bring back a fairly strong return as a former All-Star pitcher who is under club control through the 2028 season. Even with the abundance of good rotation trade targets, Kirby, now that he’s become a realistic target, is one of the best.