The Mariners and Twins recently got together on a that sent infielder to Seattle, with a four-player package heading the other way. Today, reports that the Ms asked about a larger deal that would have also involved outfielder , though that particular line of discu sion wasnt fruitful. Though the talks didnt yield results, it seems to suggest that the Mariners still have some appetite for another move to further change James Harden Jersey their outfield mix. Since last year, they have lost and , the former reaching free agency and signing with the Dodgers while the latter was traded to Atlanta. The Ms replaced those two by acquiring old friend from the Giants as well as from the Rays. On paper, those two would slot into the regular outfield alongside . There would be some logic to adding to that group. Due to some injuries and the shortened 2020 season, Haniger has only played more than 63 games in a season on three occasions. The past two years have each seen him finish with around 60 games played, mi sing time due to a right high ankle sprain, a left oblique strain, a right forearm fracture and a low back strain. Hes generally been able to post good results even when battling injuries but 2023 was a struggle. He hit .209/.266/.365 for a wRC+ of 73, his first season of subpar offensive production since his 2016 debut. Giving Haniger plenty of time in the designated hitter slot would be a logical plan in a vacuum but likely isnt feasible for the Ms with the current roster construction. They signed catcher to a two-year, $24MM deal last month, but he figures to DH on an everyday basis or something close to it, with behind the plate most days. An injury could always change things but Haniger is currently projected for a regular role in the outfield. As for Raley, his 2023 was strong overall but ended on a down note. He hit .268/.357/.533 through the end of July while striking out in 29.8% of his plate appearances. From the start of August until the end of the season, his line was just .200/.270/.380 with a 36% strikeout rate. The combined work for the year was still well above average, 130 wRC+, but the overall track record is limited. Hell turn 30 years old next year and has played one good MLB season, which still came with concerning elements. The Mariners also have a batch of depth outfielders in the mix, including , , , and , but their interest in Kepler suggests they would consider another addition under the right circumstances. The free agent market still has , though its hard to envision the Ms giving out a mega deal to a player like that since they have had notable budget limitations this offseason. More plausible options would include , , or . The trade market could feature guys like , or . Seattles president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has that the 2024 club will have a higher payroll than last years $140MM figure, but uncertainty around the broadcast revenue situation might limit them to a modest increase. currently has them at $135MM, meaning Keplers $10MM salary would have pushed them to $145MM. For the Twins, perhaps they werent as open to dealing Kepler as they were with Polanco. While the latter was getting squeezed out of a crowded infield picture, Kepler could still play an important role with the 2024 club. He had a bounceback season at the plate last year, hitting 24 home runs and slashing .260/.332/.484 for a wRC+ of 124. He also provided above-average defense in right field, as he has done for many years. He figures to continue in that role in 2024, with playing center field again. and could be lined up next to Kepler and Buxton, with players like , , and perhaps in the mix as well. Kepler has been a speculative trade candidate due to the fact that the Twins are looking to cut payroll, while hes making $10MM and an impending free agent. But after the Polanco deal, the club is down to about $118MM in spending commitments, according to . They are reportedly looking to get into the $125MM-140MM range so dont really need to shed any more money unle s they pivot to some kind of blockbuster signing, which perhaps will keep Kepler in Minnesota for the upcoming campaign. Jordan Bowden Jersey