Could the Mariners find the next Mitch Haniger, J.P. Crawford, or Ty France at the deadline?

The Mariners have been very good at identifying older prospects blocked in other systems over the last few seasons, acquiring them and immediately seeing results. Could they do it again in 2023?

The Mariners have been very good at identifying older prospects blocked in other systems over the last few seasons, acquiring them and immediately seeing results. Ty France, J.P. Crawford, and Mitch Haniger are good examples of this, and I believe Seattle would love to do it again by the August 1 deadline.

There are several reasons why doing this makes sense. Typically these players are ready to come to the big leagues and contribute right away, and they aren’t as expensive as established big leaguers. I compiled a list of players that I believe could be candidates for the Mariners to acquire at the deadline.

Vaughn Grissom

Grissom is probably one of the most unlikely players on this list, and his upside is the reason why. He is still young, but their success and ambitions to win a World Series could push them to move him for pitching depth.

Grissom is still just 22 years old and has an extremely high ceiling, but he has to play to reach it. A 6 foot 3 inch middle infielder, Grissom has hit for a high average at every level of the minor leagues. His defense has been trending in the right direction according to guru Ron Washington, but Orlando Arcia’s explosion on the scene has left playing time scarce for the youngster.

The infielder would immediately slide in as the starter at second base for the Mariners, making him a very similar fit to what Seattle did with J.P Crawford just a few years ago. This could be a sellers move for the Mariners to give the Braves some offense or bullpen help but could help to fix the second base spot for the foreseeable future.

I don’t see this happening but I would love it from Seattle’s perspective.