Mariners talking to Padres about Wil Myers


Rob Kajiwara - baseball player, composer, writer, artist



Rumor has it that the Seattle Mariners and the San Diego Padres are talking about a potential trade that would involve Seattle sending RHP Mike Leake and shortstop Jean Segura to the Padres, with Wil Myers among the players heading to the Mariners. No word yet on who else might accompany Myers to Seattle. 

This is an interesting trade for the Mariners in rebuilding mode. Leake is essentially being swapped for Myers, both of whom have long, expensive contracts. But Myers is quite a bit younger than Leake, and will still be in his prime when the Mariners finish rebuilding a couple of years from now. While Leake is a solid mid-to-back of the rotation innings eater, with the M's in rebuilding mode, his role doesn't quite fit with the team anymore. He would be much more useful with an organization that hopes to contend for a playoff spot more immediately.

Myers is a versatile player who has spent ample time at all three outfield positions, first base, and third base. However, defensively he grades out at below average in centerfield, first, and third, but he grades out as an above average corner outfielder. The Mariners are in need of a left fielder who can offer more production with the bat than Ben Gamel, and Myers seems to fit that. He was worth 6.8 WAR offensively last year according to Fangraphs, whereas Gamel was worth a full three WAR less. If Myers remains in left field over the course of a full season, his defensive metrics will likely improve significantly, upgrading his overall value as a player.

Rob Kajiwara - baseball player, writer, composer, artist


The other part of this trade is Jean Segura. As an all-star shortstop in his prime and on a relatively cheap contract, so it's not surprising that teams are asking about him. The questions remain: who will the M's get in exchange for Segura, and who will play shortstop if he is traded? Dee Gordon can play short, but with the club in rebuilding mode, does it make sense to keep Gordon around? A trade for a younger shortstop who can be part of the rebuild of the future seems to make more sense if Segura is indeed moved.

It will be interesting to see what Jerry Dipoto has in store.


Rob Kajiwara is an Ryukyu / Nahua - Hawaiian singer-songwriter, visual artist, baseball player, and human rights activist. For more information, please visit his website, www.RobKajiwara.com

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