The Seattle Mariners were tied to yet another starting pitcher in the trade market.
It’s little secret that the Texas Rangers had been shopping veteran left-hander Cole Hamels because he can opt out of his six-year, $144 million contract this offseason, it’s likely he would, and the Rangers are in last place in the American League West.
MLB.com’s Jon Morosi reported Thursday night that the Mariners and Rangers “have had dialogue” about a trade involving Hamels, though he also reported that the two sides weren’t close to a deal.
But that’s another sign that the Mariners are at least inquiring other teams about starting pitching, which with general manager Jerry Dipoto’s reputation for wheeling and dealing more than any other GM since he arrived ahead of the 2016 season, that’s quite unsurprising.