Mariners Named Potential Trade Fit for Veteran Slugger

The 2022 MLB season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Seattle Mariners, resulting in them trailing the Tampa Bay Rays by 4.5 games for the final American League Wild Card spot. Needless to say, the Mariners need all the help they can get to turn things around.

Fortunately, the trade market is full of players that could help Seattle, especially when it pertains to an extra bat. One player that's seen as a potential trade fit is none other than Washington Nationals veteran slugger Nelson Cruz, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand.

7 potential trade targets whose stock is rising -- and where they may fit https://t.co/DDh1YG9cDl
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) June 13, 2022

Seattle Mariners Trade Rumors

Cruz isn't a stranger to the Emerald City, having spent four seasons in his mid-30s in Seattle, hitting 163 home runs and 414 RBIs in 606 games. With the Mariners averaging only 4.10 runs per game in 2022 (No. 23), it only makes sense for them to bring him back.

He's no longer in his prime, but Cruz still brings value as a designated hitter. He's slashing .378/.452/.573 in 23 games following a slow start to the season, racking up seven doubles, three home runs and 15 RBIs over that stretch.

On top of his current play, the 41-year-old also brings 18 HRs, 38 RBIs and a 2011 ALCS MVP victory in 50 postseason games to the table. Players known for stepping up in the playoffs are invaluable and that's exactly who Cruz is.

Cruz was dealing with a back injury last week, but that seems to be behind him. As long as he can remain healthy, he should see plenty of trade attention before the MLB trade deadline.

Mariners World Series Odds

Can Cruz instantly turn the Mariners into contenders? No, but he's someone that can help them get more respect from oddsmakers. The Mariners are currently +7000 (No. 17) to win the 2022 World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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Devon Platana is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Devon Platana also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username PepeSilvia0. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.