All of these trades are centered around one key factor. To clear payroll this off-season. The Seattle Mariners have one of the highest payrolls in all of baseball. Before any free agency signings or trades happen, the Mariners have the 3rd most money committed heading into 2019. These trades will all look to help clear payroll this off-season.
To be up front, Felix Hernandez and Robinson Cano will not be listed here. Yes, they are the highest on the payroll. In the case of Felix, he only has one year left on his deal.