It happened again and and again until it became a running joke among Mariners fans.
A Mariner struggles. The player leaves Seattle via trade or free agency. He then becomes much better with another team.
Or vice versa.
Some of the biggest acquisitions in club history struggled when big things were expected: Jeff Ciriillo. Rich Aurilia. Scott Spiezio. Chone Figgins. Carlos Silva. Jeff Weaver. Rich Aurillia. Richie Sexson. Somebody else who goes by the name "Rich," probably (not really).
When you have the longest active postseason drought in MLB, the busts add up. Many good players get away.