Pittsburgh Pirates: Which Team Would Make The Best Trade Partner?

Conclusion

Between the two teams, the Mariners definitely are in more need of another infielder. So far, the Mariners’ only addition this off-season has been Luis Urias. Shortstop is covered by J.P. Crawford, and Ty France will look to rebound, but Urias and Josh Rojas are their best options at second and third base. Although both were solid batters in 2021-2022, both also had a sub-80 OPS+ last season. Dylan Moore has now posted an above average OPS+ in two straight seasons, but is probably best suited for a super-utility role.

Meanwhile, the Marlins have most of their positions covered. The corners are backed by former Pirate Josh Bell and deadline acquisition Jake Burger. Batting title winner Luis Arraez will return to second base. Shortstop is the weakest link on the infield depth chart for the Marlins. Right now, Jon Berti is atop the list. But Berti still had a 104 OPS+ last season and was a two-WAR player in 424 plate appearances last season. Sure, Berti has mostly served a platoon/super utility role like Moore has, but if the Marlins had to go into the year with Berti as their semi-regular or full-on regular at short, it would probably end better than giving Dylan Moore regular reps at second or third base.

But who has the better players to offer? The Marlins take this category. Garrett, Luzardo, Cabrera, and Rogers all have the potential to be good pitchers next season. Of course, Luzardo and Garrett are the best, but even having to settle for Cabrera would be a plus. Woo and Miller are both good young arms, but Hancock is the most unproven arm between both teams and their potential trade candidates.

In the end, I think the Mariners are the better fit. They need another infielder, and I’d gladly take Woo or Miller in a trade. Sure, the Marlins may have more pitchers who are better than Woo or Miller, but based on price, I think the Ms are a better partner in any potential trade.