Report: Mariners interested in Marcell Ozuna

According to Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com, the Seattle Mariners are attempting to make a move for Marcell Ozuna.

Ozuna would fill the hole the Mariners currently have in right field. This comes as a surprise to many after Seattle recently acquired Leonys Martin from the Texas Rangers to play center field. Ozuna recently turned 25 years old, has solid defense, and is under club control until 2020. These are qualities that most clubs desire and it is driving up the asking price.

One logical player the M’s could move is 27-year-old James Paxton. Paxton has been a solid back of the rotation starter when healthy but unfortunately for the club he has missed the majority of the last two seasons with a lat strain and finger strain. It was reported last week that the mariners were at least talking about moving Paxton in exchange for Brett Gardner of the Yankees. Another intriguing name is Taijuan Walker. Walker, only 23 years old, emerged as the Mariners best starter behind Felix Hernandez. However, new GM Jerry Dipoto has praised Taijuan Walker multiple times since he was hired in September so it seems unlikely that he would move him.

If the trade consists of more than just Ozuna, other names to keep an eye on are Mariners shortstop Chris Taylor and first basemen Mark Trumbo, who have both been rumored to be on the trading block. As for the Marlins, possible additions to the trade could be relievers A.J. Ramos or Carter Capps.

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