The Seattle Mariners struck again in the trade market on Saturday, acquiring high-leverage reliever Gregory Santos from the Chicago White Sox.
Jeff Passan of ESPN has the full deal:
The Seattle Mariners are acquiring right-handed reliever Gregory Santos in a trade with the Chicago White Sox for right-hander Prelander Berroa, outfielder Zach DeLoach and the 69th pick in the 2024 draft, sources tell ESPN.
A few things to consider here:
1) In acquiring Santos, the M's are getting a high-leverage reliever to add to the back end of the bullpen. After dealing Isaiah Campbell and Justin Topa this offseason, the M's needed help in the 'pen and Santos gives them that. He'll combine with Matt Brash and Andres Munoz to give Seattle an excellent 7-8-9 tandem. Santos ended up as the White Sox closer by the end of 2023 and any of those three players can save games for manager Scott Servais.
2) There is reason to worry about Santos's health. We had a report in December that he may not be ready for spring training because of elbow issues, and there's the concern of something deeper there. He is under contract through 2028 and will help the M's for the long haul which is good, but the team has to hope the 24-year-old is available for 2024.
3) This deal isn't insignificant for Chicago, either. Berroa had been referred to multiple times by Seattle leadership as a potential "next Edwin Diaz" because of his electric stuff. He ended the 2023 season as the M's No. 15 prospect, per MLB.com. He made his major league debut in 2023, pitching in two games. He struck out 150 batters in 100.2 minor league innings. DeLoach was the No. 25 prospect.
With regards to Santos, he pitched in 60 games last year, going 2-2 with a 3.39 ERA. He struck out 66 batters in 66.1 innings and registered five saves.
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