The Seattle Mariners' quest for an infield upgrade may be influenced by the Chicago Cubs' recent acquisition of three-time All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman. According to MLB Network insider Jon Morosi, Bregman's signing could create a ripple effect, potentially impacting the Mariners' pursuit of Brendan Donovan.
Bregman's arrival in Chicago has created a logjam in the Cubs' infield. With Michael Busch at first base, Dansby Swanson at shortstop, Nico Hoerner as the incumbent second baseman, and Matt Shaw as a former top prospect at third base, the Cubs have a crowded infield. This situation opens up possibilities for trades, with Hoerner, who has one year of club control remaining, becoming a potential trade chip.
Morosi suggests that the availability of Hoerner could shift the dynamics for the Mariners. He believes that Hoerner, with his exceptional defensive skills and contact-hitting abilities, could be a valuable addition to the team. The Mariners' interest in Hoerner was previously reported, and his availability might make him a more affordable option compared to Donovan, who has two years of club control.
The trade landscape for Donovan could also be influenced by the recent trade of Nolan Arenado. With the Cardinals having more flexibility, they might be more inclined to part ways with Donovan. Morosi speculates that the availability of Hoerner could impact the asking price for Donovan, potentially making him more attainable for the Mariners.
Hoerner's performance last season was impressive, with a .297/.345/.394 slash line, 29 doubles, seven home runs, 61 RBIs, 29 stolen bases, 39 walks, and 49 strikeouts. His defensive prowess, as evidenced by his 7.6% strikeout rate and 14 outs above average at second base, further highlights his value. Morosi's opinion that Hoerner could be a better fit for the Mariners than Donovan adds fuel to the speculation that the team might be considering a trade for Hoerner.
As the MLB offseason progresses, the Mariners' strategy may be influenced by the Cubs' moves. The team's need for an infield upgrade remains, and the potential availability of Hoerner could be a significant development in their pursuit of a stronger lineup.
