In a surprising move that left baseball fans buzzing, the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants engaged in a trade that swapped underperforming players coming off injuries. The focal point of this deal was the exchange of Robbie Ray from Seattle to San Francisco for outfielder Mitch Haniger and pitcher Anthony DeSclafani.
For Haniger, this trade marks a return to the Mariners, where he spent five seasons before joining the Giants as a free agent. The Mariners also acquired DeSclafani and a generous $6 million from the Giants for Ray, who recently clinched the 2021 AL Cy Young Award with the Toronto Blue Jays. Ray sealed the deal with the Mariners by signing a hefty $115 million, five-year contract in November 2021.
But the trading didn't stop there. In another transaction that caught attention, the Mariners sent base-stealing infielder José Caballero to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for outfielder Luke Raley. With these moves, both teams are looking to reshape their rosters, bolster their lineups, and make a push for a successful season.
The focal point of this trade, Robbie Ray, unfortunately suffered from injuries shortly after joining the Mariners. Just after 3 1/3 innings pitched in the team's second game, he found himself on the injured list and underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery and a flexor tendon repair. With a successful rehabilitation, San Francisco's President of Baseball Operations Farhan Zaidi believes that Ray can be a formidable asset for the Giants in the latter half of the 2024 season. Under new manager Bob Melvin, the Giants are aiming to make a comeback after missing the playoffs for two consecutive years.
Zaidi expressed his confidence in Ray, highlighting his ability to complement Logan Webb, the Giants' No. 1 starter. Ray, a power lefty with a knack for strikeouts, was known for his durability prior to his unfortunate injury. With his pending return to the mound, the Giants anticipate Ray's impact in their pursuit of a playoff berth.
On the other side of the trade, Mitch Haniger will rejoin the Mariners after departing for the Giants in the offseason. Last year, he faced difficulties, hitting a career-low .209 with six home runs and 28 RBIs. His season was marred by a broken right forearm that resulted from being hit by a pitch in June. However, prior to that, Haniger had demonstrated his capabilities as an All-Star player in 2018, hitting .253 and setting personal highs with 39 home runs and 100 RBIs in 2021. The Mariners hope that Haniger can bring his previous success back to their lineup, specifically as their primary right fielder.
In addition to Haniger, the Mariners also acquired pitcher Anthony DeSclafani. Last season, DeSclafani compiled a 4-8 record with a 4.88 ERA in 18 starts and one relief appearance. Unfortunately, he experienced shoulder fatigue and a right elbow flexor strain, causing him to miss games. Despite his setbacks, the Mariners see potential in DeSclafani and plan to incorporate him into their bullpen, assuming everyone is healthy.
Mariners President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto sees this trade as an opportunity to strengthen his team's opening-day roster and boost their confidence in challenging the 162-game schedule. With the additions of Haniger and DeSclafani, the Mariners believe they are better equipped to compete in the upcoming season.
As for the financial aspects of the trade, the Mariners will receive $1 million from the Giants each month from April to September this year. Haniger, owed $17 million this year and $15.5 million in 2025, will also receive a one-time $1 million assignment bonus. Ray, with a remaining three years on his contract, will earn $73 million, while DeSclafani will receive $12 million in the final season of his $36 million, three-year deal.
All in all, this trade brings new opportunities for both Robbie Ray and the Mariners. While the Giants hope to see Ray flourish and contribute to their playoff ambitions, the Mariners rely on the return of Mitch Haniger and the addition of Anthony DeSclafani to bolster their lineup. Only time will tell how this trade ultimately pans out for both teams, but one thing is for sure—the baseball world will be closely watching as these players aim to write their next chapters with their respective clubs.
