Unlikely AL West trade partner for the Braves could emerge if current trends hold

It’s never too early to start identifying potential trade targets ahead of July, especially for a team like the Atlanta Braves with an obvious roster need. Following Tuesday morning’s release of Aaron Bummer, Atlanta’s bullpen remains in search of dependable late-inning options beyond the established trio of Dylan Lee, Robert Suarez, and Raisel Iglesias.

Thankfully for the Braves, one underperforming American League contender could find itself in sell mode by July. After pushing the Blue Jays to seven games in the 2025 ALCS, the Seattle Mariners have endured a far more difficult road in 2026. If Seattle’s struggles continue, Atlanta could look to capitalize by pursuing one of the Mariners’ intriguing bullpen arms, bolstering a relief corps that still needs reinforcements for the stretch run.

If Mariners' fall back in AL West race, they could become a perfect trade partner for the Braves

As of Wednesday morning, the Mariners sit at 23-27, a disappointing mark for a club widely viewed as an American League contender entering the season. If that sluggish start continues into July, Seattle could be forced to reconsider its direction at the deadline. That scenario would make the Mariners a natural trade partner for the Braves, whose bullpen still lacks dependable left-handed depth. While Seattle’s offense has struggled to find consistency, its pitching staff remains talented enough to provide a significant boost to any team with postseason aspirations.

For Atlanta, relievers like José Ferrer and Gabe Speier could emerge as especially appealing targets to strengthen the bullpen ahead of October. The acquisition cost for each left-hander would likely differ, but either arm would represent a meaningful upgrade for a relief corps that currently relies on Dylan Dodd as its second-best left-handed option.

Ferrer would likely command the steeper asking price, both because of his upside and his long-term value with team control through the 2029 season. The hard-throwing lefty averages 97.1 mph on his sinker, and has backed up his electric stuff with impressive production, posting a 1.61 ERA alongside a 2.30 FIP this season.

As for Speier, both he and the Mariners have taken a step back from the dominant form they displayed in 2025. Through 15 appearances this season, the left-hander owns a respectable 2.54 ERA, though his underlying metrics paint a less encouraging picture, including a 4.59 xERA and 4.34 xFIP. Even so, Speier would likely come at a far more affordable price than Ferrer, and his recent track record suggests he can still be a dependable late-inning relief option.

Regardless, the Braves would likely need Seattle’s struggles to continue well into the summer for either left-hander to realistically become available at the trade deadline. The Mariners recently promoted top prospect Colt Emerson in hopes of sparking their offense and turning the season around, so there’s still a strong possibility this discussion becomes irrelevant by July if Seattle regains their footing. That possibility becomes even more realistic when considering that no team in the AL West currently sits above the .500 mark, leaving the division race wide open despite Seattle’s slow start.

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