Seattle Mariners Trade Rumors: Jack Zduriencik Not Shopping Players As MLB Trade Deadline Approaches?
Seattle Mariners trade rumors have just taken an interesting turn. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Mariners may not be looking to unload any veteran players on the current roster. It could be the case that general manager Jack Zduriencik isn’t looking to make the team “sellers” and that the front office is content to “stay the course.” A report from the Olympian seems to confirm that sentiment, and this might be frustrating news to some fans of the team.
Several rival club officials were quoted as saying the team isn’t looking to deal any of its pending free agents. It’s a risk that could lead to several players walking away at the end of the 2015 MLB season, leaving the Mariners with no assets to show for it. It’s an odd situation if the team isn’t looking to trade any of them, but it could simply be an indication that Zduriencik believes the team will finish the season strong. That doesn’t mean it hasn’t left other teams puzzled.
“We’re hearing they want to play it out with the group they have. It’s strange, but they really don’t seem interested in seeing what they can get for (Hisashi) Iwakuma or (J.A.) Happ.”
Prior Seattle Mariners trade rumors had indicated that Hisashi Iwakuma could be a hot commodity on the open market, but this particular executive seems to hint that the team hasn’t even entertained offers for him. Iwakuma and J.A. Happ are both free agents at the end of the regular season, but maybe the lack of depth in the system is another reason to hold on to them. Another rival executive also commented on the situation, and maybe they shined a little more light on it.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes. A lot of times, these things develop late. We get close to the deadline, and somebody decides they need a pitcher. Maybe they offer the Mariners something that’s too good to turn down.”
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, recent losses by the Mariners could turn the tide for the team, but it certainly appears that GM Jack Zduriencik is more intent to keep his job than to begin a “fire sale” to improve for the long-term. In addition to starting pitchers Hisashi Iwakuma and J.A. Happ, Mariners players that will become free agents at the end of the 2015 MLB season include center fielder Austin Jackson, outfielders Franklin Gutierrez and Carlos Quentin, and pitchers Fernando Rodney, Joe Beimel, and Joe Saunders.
While it’s definitely possible that there could be interesting Seattle Mariners trade rumors that come up before the non-waiver deadline hits on July 31, it’s starting to look like the team might not move its veterans. This doesn’t necessarily rule out the chance at improving through dealing a prospect or two, so it also doesn’t mean Zduriencik is done trying to improve the team immediately.
[Image Source: Rich Schultz/Getty Images]
