The Seattle Mariners are at a crossroads, and one bold prediction could shake up their 2026 lineup. While their search for a top-tier infielder has hit a wall—especially after stalled talks with the St. Louis Cardinals over Brendan Donovan—one MLB analyst has thrown a curveball into the mix. But here's where it gets controversial: could the Mariners strike a deal with the New York Mets for infielder Brett Baty? And this is the part most people miss—it might not cost them their most prized prospects.
During a recent ESPN roundtable, commentator David Schoenfield suggested the Mariners could package pitchers Jurrangelo Cijntje and Matt Brash to land Baty, a versatile 3B/2B who could fill one of Seattle’s glaring holes. This move would address the Mariners’ infield void, left by the departure of second baseman Jorge Polanco to the Mets and the uncertainty around third baseman Eugenio Suarez’s future. Baty’s offensive numbers—a .254 batting average, 18 home runs, and 50 RBIs last season, despite an injury—make him a solid addition. Defensively, he’s no Gold Glove contender, but his strong arm and decent range hold their own.
But is this trade a win-win? For Mariners GM Justin Hollander, it’s a chance to add a reliable bat without sacrificing MLB-ready prospects. For the Mets, who recently signed Polanco and shifted him to first base, parting with Baty could make sense if they value the return: Brash, a proven reliever, and Cijntje, a switch-pitching phenom with sky-high potential. Yet, some might argue the Mets are giving up too much for a team already set in the infield. What do you think? Is this a fair deal, or are the Mariners getting the better end of the bargain?
Thought-provoking question: Would you trade a promising switch-pitcher and a reliable reliever for a solid but not spectacular infielder? Let us know in the comments!
For more Mariners updates, including rumors about their interest in the Nationals’ CJ Abrams, stay tuned. The offseason is far from over, and Seattle’s moves could redefine their future.
