3 NY Mets trade destinations for Brett Baty

3) Seattle Mariners

Seattle had one of the worst infields in baseball last season, and second and third base in particular were serious problems. Their projected opening-day third baseman, Dylan Moore, posted a putrid .201/.320/.367 slash line last season. At 32 years old, it's not likely he will get much better.

At second base, 25-year-old Ryan Bliss is the presumptive starter. With only 71 career Major League plate appearances, all of which came last season, he's a bit of an unknown. Still, the diminutive middle infielder struck out 31% of the time while posting an equally unimpressive .222/.290/.397 line.

Fortunately for the Mariners, Baty can adequately play either of those two positions, though he is stronger at third. Seattle is rumored to be willing to spend a bit more than they have in years past, but the team is still on a budget so Baty's cheap salary and long-term control should have some appeal. With the level of production they've received from those two positions, he might even be an upgrade even if he doesn't improve.

The Mariners are flush on pitching leading to rumors that they're shopping starting pitcher Luis Castillo. The Mets have a clear need to add another top-of-the-rotation starter and Castillo fits that bill.

Baty as part of a package with another young infielder such as Luisangel Acuna or Ronn Mauricio and prospects could be an interesting proposition for Seattle as they pursue cost-controlled infield upgrades.

In this context, Baty wouldn't be the centerpiece, but he could be the chip that could push a potential deal over the top, and Seattle seems like a prime landing spot for the young third baseman.