Seattle Mariners Field Trade Inquiries for George Kirby Before Deadline

Major League front offices are bracing for a frenetic finish to the trading period as contending teams scour the market for pitching depth and right-handed bats. Two distinct organizational stories highlight the contrasting pressures facing clubs at opposite ends of the standings: a Seattle rotation under sudden scrutiny and a sputtering New York franchise locking down its young core.

Seattle Mariners Listen to Offers on George Kirby Amid Marketplace Instability

The Seattle Mariners entered the season with high expectations, but a sluggish summer has destabilized their outlook. Following a 2-5 road trip and a home loss to Minnesota that dropped the club to five games below .500, rival clubs have engaged the Mariners more aggressively on the availability of Kirby ahead of Monday’s 3 p.m. PT deadline.

Despite the chatter, multiple teams checking in express surprise if Kirby actually winds up being dealt.

A critical test of Seattle’s intentions arrived when Kirby remained on turn to start Sunday’s matinee against the Twins, which serves as the club’s final game before the deadline. Manager Dan Wilson confirmed the plan after a 4-3, walk-off victory, and Kirby completed his full pregame preparation on Saturday.

Shohei Ohtani Knee Soreness Complicates Dodgers Rotation Plans

Weighing the Trade Value of Seattle’s Rotation Assets

Kirby’s inclusion in trade discussions signals a potential shift in front office strategy. The right-hander carries a 4.10 ERA over 43 starts across the past two seasons and is earning $6.55 million this year. He remains under team control through arbitration before reaching free agency after the 2028 season, though industry consensus views him as the least likely of Seattle’s controllable starters to sign an extension.

That market traction also reflects on teammates Luis Castillo and Emerson Hancock. Castillo, 33, is signed through next year with a $25 million vesting option for 2028 tied to innings pitched, and his hefty contract — which includes the remainder of $24.15 million this season and another $24.15 million next year — could require Seattle to absorb salary or attach a prospect. Hancock, meanwhile, is earning the league minimum through next season and is controlled through 2030, but Kirby represents the rotation’s highest ceiling.

Philadelphia Phillies Face Roster Deficits Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

As of Saturday, FanGraphs projected Seattle with 40.8% odds to make the playoffs and 28.7% odds to win the AL West, trailing Texas and Houston in both categories. Yet their 4.1% World Series probability remains the highest among those three division rivals.

New York Mets Name Five Untouchables Ahead of Mid-Season Fire Sale

While Seattle weighs the future of its rotation, the New York Mets are preparing for a much steeper descent. Sitting in last place in the National League East with a 40-57 record at the first-half break, the franchise is shifting from World Series aspirations to a selling posture.

According to reporting from SNY, front office executives have informed inquiring clubs that five players are completely untouchable in trade talks.

Tarik Skubal Trade Talks Intensify as Detroit Tigers Weigh Offers

A rival executive said the Mets informed their team that the sale is on, and that everyone but young stars Carson Benge, A.J.

Chelsea Janes, journalist, via Heavy.com

The inclusion of Benge, Ewing, and Scott underscores how significantly their value has grown during a difficult campaign. Notably absent from the untouchable list are star shortstop Francisco Lindor and marquee free-agent signing Bo Bichette, leaving open the possibility that New York could move major pieces of its core if the return matches expectations ahead of a planned winter pivot for 2027.