Detroit Tigers: Exploring a trade with the Mariners

The Seattle Mariners don’t have a very good farm system. In fact, it’s arguably the worst in all of baseball. They have long shown a willingness to deal what little prospect capital they have in order to improve the big league roster.

While their lack of prospects keeps them out of the running for Fulmer, they could still swing deals for the other pieces the Detroit Tigers are looking to move.

Here are a few prospects the Tigers should target when discussing their trade pieces with the Mariners.

Julio Rodriguez

Unless the Mariners want to make a push for Fulmer, they likely won’t part with their top three prospects. the Tigers could try to make a push to acquire No. 4 overall prospect, outfielder Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez is just 17 years old and was signed by the Mariners at age 16 for $1.75 million dollars. He’s been playing in the Dominican Instructional League, so stats are hard to come by. However, scouts give him a 50 for hitting and a 55 for power, with reports saying he can drive the ball to all fields. Defensively, he has a strong arm and looks like a future every day right fielder. This is likely the  best prospect Detroit could get from Seattle, and would take parting with Greene in order to get him.

Joe Rizzo

Rizzo was a 2016 second round pick by the Mariners out of High School. Now 20 years old, he is Seattle’s No. 6 overall prospect. Scouts worry about his defense, saying he may need to be moved to first base or left field instead of his current third base. He projects as an above-average hitter with decent pop and would be a great get for the Tigers. The Mariners would likely only part with him if they were getting Greene, but Greene for Rizzo and another prospect or two would be a win-win.

Wyatt Mills

A local product, the Mariners took Mills from Gonzaga University in the third round of the 2017 draft. The No. 10 prospect in Seattle’s system, Mills has drawn comparisons to Steve Cishek for his sidearm delivery and exceptional velocity. He can touch 95 and has a plus slider. At 23 years old, Mills is almost ready to jump to the majors despite being picked last year. The Mariners may not want to part with their local kid, but he could be in Detroit’s bullpen within a year if they are able to snag him.

Bryson Brigman

Brigman was a third round selection by the Mariners back in 2016. He is a shortstop at the moment, although many scouts predict he will eventually have to settle in at second base. While he didn’t hit well in 2017 at Single-A, he has come out the  gate firing  this season. In 35 games with the High-A Modesto Nuts, Brigman is slashing .384/.452/.514 with six steals and a stellar 10.1% walk rate. He was ranked as Seattle’s no. 27 prospect preseason, although that is likely going to climb if he keeps hitting well.

Detroit has a fair amount of outfield prospects but could use more infielders on the farm, and Brigman is a prime player to target if Seattle is interested in one of the veteran starters.

Next: What to expect from Detroit's No. 1 overall pick

Between all of the Detroit Tigers’ trade pieces and Seattle’s various needs, a trade could easily be worked out. Mariners GM Jerry DiPoto is a notorious trader, so don’t be surprised to see these two teams involved in rumors throughout the summer.