Mariners could be open to trading star players

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Mariners could be open to trading star players

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Aug 1, 2026 3:11 PM ET

The disappointing Seattle Mariners are at least open to trading several key players on their roster, though not necessarily to sell.

The Mariners are open to dealing from their surplus of starting pitchers to address other needs, according to Adam Jude and Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times . That includes Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock. Impending free agent Randy Arozarena could also be dealt.

ESPN’s Jeff Passan added that other teams get the sense that George Kirby would be available in the right deal as well.

Multiple teams have engaged the Seattle Mariners on a potential trade for right-hander George Kirby and get the sense he is available and could be moved before the Aug. 3 deadline, sources tell ESPN. Mariners have been listening on starters Emerson Hancock and Luis Castillo, too.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 1, 2026

The Mariners are in a unique situation in that they could trade a starting pitcher without seriously hurting their rotation. The team has even used Castillo, a three-time All-Star, out of the bullpen on a few occasions because they have so many options to start games.

Arozarena, meanwhile, is hitting .280 with 13 home runs on the season. If they do not move him, however, they run the risk of losing him for nothing in free agency.

The Mariners find themselves in a complicated spot two days before the trade deadline. They enter play Saturday at 53-58 and third in the AL West, having struggled with injuries and underperformance all season. That is still just three games out of both the division lead and the final Wild Card spot, however, in what is turning out to be a very weak American League.

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