Three Mariners Players the LA Angels Should Deal For

Mitch Haniger

The chances that the Angels could pull off a trade for Mitch Haniger are slim to none, but it would be incredibly beautiful if Eppler could do it. Despite all the clamoring that went on around trades for James Paxton, Robinson Cano, Edwin Diaz, and Jean Segura, it was Haniger who is the real treasure on the Puget Sound.

Haniger’s 6.1 WAR would have put him behind only Mike Trout and Andrelton Simmons in terms of value. His .285/.366/.493 stat line is one that the Angels desperately need in their often anemic lineup.

As a right fielder, Haniger’s acquisition would likely mean an end to Kole Calhoun’s time in Anaheim, which while undeniably sad, might be a necessary reality to face. Haniger would be a slight downgrade from Calhoun defensively, but he would be such an improvement at the plate that it might be time to say goodbye to the Red Baron.

It’s likely that Seattle will be reluctant to trade Haniger to anyone, especially a division rival like the Angels, but if there is any chance, no matter how small, that Jerry Dipoto would be interested in trading Haniger, Billy Eppler must throw everything short of Trout, Simmons, or Ohtani at the M’s. The possibility of Haniger playing next to Trout in the outfield every day is too valuable not to take a chance on.

The Mariners have a handful of players left to deal even after trading away most of their core players. Despite being division rivals, the LA Angels need to take a shot with the Mariners and try to get a deal done.