Mariners Inquired About Max Kepler During Jorge Polanco Trade Talks

[Brock Beauchamp]

Jon Morosi tweeted earlier that Seattle inquired about outfielder Max Kepler during Jorge Polanco trade talks as part of an even larger deal than the five-player swap that happened.

Kepler has been involved in trade rumors for years now but Minnesota execs seem to prize the 30-year-old lefty and remain firm at a high asking price. Unlike Polanco, trading Kepler would raise serious questions about the Opening Day outfield for the hometown nine. While Edouard Julien and Brooks Lee are available to play second base, the Twins would have to fall back on the likes of Trevor Larnach, Nick Gordon, or a free agent acquisition to fill Kepler's role.

Kepler has one year remaining on his contract. Would you trade the veteran left-hander or keep him in 2024?

View full rumor

[RpR]

Only if battling whom ever finishes last in the division for that spot is what the Twins really want.

[tony&rodney]

The Twins should trade Kepler plus $7 million to Seattle for low A player so that Kep can remain with Jorge.

[SaberNerd]

We need to add an OF, not subtract our most reliable one.  

[chpettit19]

Would be fascinating to hear what the package would've been coming from Seattle if Kepler were involved. Including if it would've changed the financials. Like would Kepler have upped the starter from DeSclafani to Woo or Miller and freed up another 10+ million to go spend on Soler to play LF? Would've been a real blow to the defense, but a real boost to the pitching and offense. But without knowing what the offers were it's hard to speak on the Seattle situation in particular.

But trading Kepler now doesn't make much sense to me unless you have another trade already lined up that you'd need the money for. Trading Kepler now would be a straight salary dump and I have no interest in that.

[Reptevia]

25 minutes ago, SaberNerd said:

We need to add an OF, not subtract our most reliable one.  

Max had an outstanding 2019 and a respectable second half in 2023. That said, you are still correct. He is our most “reliable “ OF. 

[jorgenswest]

20 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Would be fascinating to hear what the package would've been coming from Seattle if Kepler were involved. Including if it would've changed the financials. Like would Kepler have upped the starter from DeSclafani to Woo or Miller and freed up another 10+ million to go spend on Soler to play LF? Would've been a real blow to the defense, but a real boost to the pitching and offense. But without knowing what the offers were it's hard to speak on the Seattle situation in particular.

But trading Kepler now doesn't make much sense to me unless you have another trade already lined up that you'd need the money for. Trading Kepler now would be a straight salary dump and I have no interest in that.

I wonder also but Seattle has money constraints also. It would be a challenge for them to take both contracts without the Twins including money or taking bad contracts. The money probably wouldn’t be there to go get that bat.

It will be frustrating as these wonders turn into mythical facts that the Twins could have had the dollars and Woo or Miller.

 

[harmony55]

47 minutes ago, chpettit19 said:

Would be fascinating to hear what the package would've been coming from Seattle if Kepler were involved. Including if it would've changed the financials. Like would Kepler have upped the starter from DeSclafani to Woo or Miller and freed up another 10+ million to go spend on Soler to play LF? Would've been a real blow to the defense, but a real boost to the pitching and offense. But without knowing what the offers were it's hard to speak on the Seattle situation in particular.

But trading Kepler now doesn't make much sense to me unless you have another trade already lined up that you'd need the money for. Trading Kepler now would be a straight salary dump and I have no interest in that.

If the Mariners had talked with the Twins about Jorge Polanco since 2021, as reported, the Seattle front office probably had inquired about Max Kepler at least since last offseason when Kepler carried two years of team control and the Mariners had an outfield need.

This offseason Seattle's outfield needs lessened somewhat on January 5 when Luke Raley and Mitch Haniger were acquired. Nevertheless the Mariners would have welcomed Kepler's defense.

[nicksaviking]

If the Twins passed up one of Seattle’s real pitchers for Kepler, I’ll be upset.

With that salary savings they could have signed Hoskins or Turner and put Kirilloff back in the outfield.

[chpettit19]

22 minutes ago, harmony55 said:

If the Mariners had talked with the Twins about Jorge Polanco since 2021, as reported, the Seattle front office probably had inquired about Max Kepler at least since last offseason when Kepler carried two years of team control and the Mariners had an outfield need.

This offseason Seattle's outfield needs lessened somewhat on January 5 when Luke Raley and Mitch Haniger were acquired. Nevertheless the Mariners would have welcomed Kepler's defense.

All I'm going off is the report from Morosi that they touched base on a larger deal involving Polanco and Kepler. No idea when those talks took place. Could've been winter meetings before they got more OFers, or 2 days ago, we don't know. No idea what any ideas that were suggested were, just would be interested to have been a fly on the wall. You were pretty far off base on their interest in Polanco because of recent IF additions so it's possible you're not thinking in concert with their FO when it comes to their interest in Kepler even with recent OF additions.

[Fatbat]

I’m wondering what our FO has pegged for wanted trade value for Kepler, not what Seattle was willing to give up.  

[nicksaviking]

20 minutes ago, Fatbat said:

I’m wondering what our FO has pegged for wanted trade value for Kepler, not what Seattle was willing to give up.  

It's possible it was DeSclafani's contract. Most of our off season trade speculation threads had a post or two about moving both Kepler and Polanco to the same team but those were usually met with refuting ideas that no team wanted both of their contracts. Well if the Mariners actually were willing, maybe DeSclafani's full salary was the thing that pushed it over the edge.

[Parfigliano]

2 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Would be fascinating to hear what the package would've been coming from Seattle if Kepler were involved. Including if it would've changed the financials. Like would Kepler have upped the starter from DeSclafani to Woo or Miller and freed up another 10+ million to go spend on Soler to play LF? Would've been a real blow to the defense, but a real boost to the pitching and offense. But without knowing what the offers were it's hard to speak on the Seattle situation in particular.

But trading Kepler now doesn't make much sense to me unless you have another trade already lined up that you'd need the money for. Trading Kepler now would be a straight salary dump and I have no interest in that.

They dumped salary by cutting payroll however many millions from last years figure.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, harmony55 said:

If the Mariners had talked with the Twins about Jorge Polanco since 2021, as reported, the Seattle front office probably had inquired about Max Kepler at least since last offseason when Kepler carried two years of team control and the Mariners had an outfield need.

This offseason Seattle's outfield needs lessened somewhat on January 5 when Luke Raley and Mitch Haniger were acquired. Nevertheless the Mariners would have welcomed Kepler's defense.

Hey buddy, i feel like we have exchanged comments often. You likely know about those rumors and reports that Dipoto was on Polanco and Kepler for quite some time. Drayer was aware. How Jerry managed the recent deal is uncertain but perhaps Falvey balked and became a little nervous about Dipoto turning down any deals for Polanco, who needed to go for financial reasons. One thing is certain, Seattle had some pitching to trade but was laser focused on all attempts at holding those guys if at all possible and it seems Jerry was willing to go well into March if needed with variations of trades before he would lose one of his young starters. Well played. I do wonder if Dipoto will still look to acquire Kepler, maybe for Berroa.

[JD-TWINS]

Kepler has value, obviously, & I’d like to respect what he was able to do in 2nd half last year. He was one of 5 guys in the game to have 30 XBH & hit over .300……..along with C. Seager & 3 others.

That said, I think that Lee is the guy at 3B & Julien stays at 2B going forward. Moving Max shouldn’t be ignored as it seems to me that athletically, Lewis could handle LF next week - Wallner to right.

If Lee’s not ready out of Spring Training they could piece together 3B with Farmer everyday - Castro occasionally - Miranda occasionally if he’s rostered.

Moving Kepler doesn’t force Gordon or Larnach into the line-up unless they force their way in with their bat.

[tony&rodney]

6 minutes ago, JD-TWINS said:

Kepler has value, obviously, & I’d like to respect what he was able to do in 2nd half last year. He was one of 5 guys in the game to have 30 XBH & hit over .300……..along with C. Seager & 3 others.

That said, I think that Lee is the guy at 3B & Julien stays at 2B going forward. Moving Max shouldn’t be ignored as it seems to me that athletically, Lewis could handle LF next week - Wallner to right.

If Lee’s not ready out of Spring Training they could piece together 3B with Farmer everyday - Castro occasionally - Miranda occasionally if he’s rostered.

Moving Kepler doesn’t force Gordon or Larnach into the line-up unless they force their way in with their bat.

Ok. Let's do it. Kepler to Seattle for Berroa with the Twins picking up a good part of Max's contract. The Twins save a little more money and Larnach/Gordon get some MLB time. It's good for Kepler, the Pohlads, and the Mariners. Why not do it?

[Cory Engelhardt]

11 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Ok. Let's do it. Kepler to Seattle for Berroa with the Twins picking up a good part of Max's contract. The Twins save a little more money and Larnach/Gordon get some MLB time. It's good for Kepler, the Pohlads, and the Mariners. Why not do it?

It’s not enough for Kepler

[nicksaviking]

16 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Ok. Let's do it. Kepler to Seattle for Berroa with the Twins picking up a good part of Max's contract. The Twins save a little more money and Larnach/Gordon get some MLB time. It's good for Kepler, the Pohlads, and the Mariners. Why not do it?

Why Berroa? The Twins just traded for one Mariner reliever and signed/claimed a half dozen other AAAA caliber relievers who also have terrible control problems. No idea about his options, but he's been around for ages so I'm guessing he's out of them.

[Shaitan]

"Inquired"

Of course they did. He's known to be on the trade block and they were negotiating a trade.

[tony&rodney]

16 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

It’s not enough for Kepler

I was merely thinking that Kepler might like playing in Seattle with Jorge.

[harmony55]

37 minutes ago, nicksaviking said:

Why Berroa? The Twins just traded for one Mariner reliever and signed/claimed a half dozen other AAAA caliber relievers who also have terrible control problems. No idea about his options, but he's been around for ages so I'm guessing he's out of them.

Prelander Berroa, an aged 23 years old, has two options remaining.

Would the Twins have any interest in five years for former Top 50 (or 15) prospect Taylor Trammell, a 26-year-old, out-of-options lefthanded hitter capable of playing a solid center field?

Trammell has struggled at the MLB level but last year posted a .268/.390/.530/.920 line in 391 plate appearances at Triple A Tacoma.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/comments/196wgb8/driveline_baseball_welcoming_taylor_trammell_to/

 

[Cory Engelhardt]

37 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

I was merely thinking that Kepler might like playing in Seattle with Jorge.

I can see that 

[Cory Engelhardt]

34 minutes ago, harmony55 said:

Prelander Berroa, an aged 23 years old, has two options remaining.

Would the Twins have any interest in five years for former Top 50 (or 15) prospect Taylor Trammell, a 26-year-old, out-of-options lefthanded hitter capable of playing a solid center field?

Trammell has struggled at the MLB level but last year posted a .268/.390/.530/.920 line in 391 plate appearances at Triple A Tacoma.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/comments/196wgb8/driveline_baseball_welcoming_taylor_trammell_to/

 

I think you answered the question of why Kepler wasn’t traded then if these were the options

[tony&rodney]

19 minutes ago, Cory Engelhardt said:

I think you answered the question of why Kepler wasn’t traded then if these were the options

Those weren't the options. Harmony55 and I were just throwing out names now, somewhat foolishly to some extent. The potentially larger deal was complicated and required more time. Falvey blinked. It's all good.

[RaoulDuke]

Didn't think I would ever advocate keeping Kepler, even after last years 2nd half, but the outfield mix as it stands is pretty thin.  

Betting on Buxton in Center with Castro as his backup and betting on Wallner/ Larnach in Left, Kepler looks like a nice stabilizer for Right.

 

[RpR]

2 hours ago, JD-TWINS said:

Kepler has value, obviously, & I’d like to respect what he was able to do in 2nd half last year. He was one of 5 guys in the game to have 30 XBH & hit over .300……..along with C. Seager & 3 others.

That said, I think that Lee is the guy at 3B & Julien stays at 2B going forward. Moving Max shouldn’t be ignored as it seems to me that athletically, Lewis could handle LF next week - Wallner to right.

If Lee’s not ready out of Spring Training they could piece together 3B with Farmer everyday - Castro occasionally - Miranda occasionally if he’s rostered.

Moving Kepler doesn’t force Gordon or Larnach into the line-up unless they force their way in with their bat.

Just like those who babble trade Buxton, Lewis is never leaving third base.

[nicksaviking]

1 hour ago, harmony55 said:

Prelander Berroa, an aged 23 years old, has two options remaining.

Would the Twins have any interest in five years for former Top 50 (or 15) prospect Taylor Trammell, a 26-year-old, out-of-options lefthanded hitter capable of playing a solid center field?

Trammell has struggled at the MLB level but last year posted a .268/.390/.530/.920 line in 391 plate appearances at Triple A Tacoma.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Mariners/comments/196wgb8/driveline_baseball_welcoming_taylor_trammell_to/

 

No, I don’t imagine the Twins have any interest in another left handed corner outfielder, particularly one that’s out of options. They grow on trees around here.

[Doctor Gast]

Quote

Postscript on Mariners-Twins trade: I'm told Seattle inquired about Max Kepler's availability and the potential of a larger deal, but that aspect of the talks never gained traction.

Of course, it depends if the deal is loaded with unneeded prospects & players like in the Polanco trade. But if SEA was really interested why not further pursue a Polanco/ Kepler trade that actually included a player we needed like a viable SP. It'd make me feel better to fill a need & have Polanco & Kepler together at the same time.

[insagt1]

Are the Twins looking to add prospects this year or are they looking to add major league ready players for 2024? Do they want to try and win it all this year, or are they leaning towards a 'modest' re-build? This is simply a question, not a value judgement.

[wabene]

14 hours ago, chpettit19 said:

Would be fascinating to hear what the package would've been coming from Seattle if Kepler were involved. Including if it would've changed the financials. Like would Kepler have upped the starter from DeSclafani to Woo or Miller and freed up another 10+ million to go spend on Soler to play LF? Would've been a real blow to the defense, but a real boost to the pitching and offense. But without knowing what the offers were it's hard to speak on the Seattle situation in particular.

But trading Kepler now doesn't make much sense to me unless you have another trade already lined up that you'd need the money for. Trading Kepler now would be a straight salary dump and I have no interest in that.

I don't want to pile on and I certainly don't want to poke the bear and get mauled, lol, but here goes. How does losing our vaunted 2 two hole hitter and Kepler while adding Soler boost the offense? (ducks)