The Seattle Times · Nov 20, 2018
Like it or not, the Mariners had to trade James Paxton
Mariners left-hander James Paxton pitches against the Astros during a game in 2018. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)Most people, I imagine, would not enjoy getting punched in the face. But if they had to choose between getting punched in the face or, say, getting hit by a truck, they would probably pick the former.
That’s essentially what Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has been dealing with this offseason. He could either go the rebuilding route and forfeit the 2019 season (at least), or keep his best players and perpetuate the M’s’ increasingly torturous mediocrity.