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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing [email protected].
Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
news article Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Share✓ Link copied to clipboard! The Seattle Mariners recently made a shocking decision that will excite a lot of fans in Seattle. The front office decided to sign franchise catcher Cal Raleigh to a six-year contract extension worth $105 million.But because of this deal, there’s a chance the Mariners opt to cut spending in other places.FanSided’s Chris Landers recently predicted the Mariners would make the decision to trade shortstop J.P. Crawford before his contract is up, largely because of the aforementioned Raleigh extension.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 30: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts to scoring two runs on a single during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on August 30, 2023…
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 30: J.P. Crawford #3 of the Seattle Mariners reacts to scoring two runs on a single during the seventh inning against the Oakland Athletics at T-Mobile Park on August 30, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.
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“Crawford has become a fan-favorite during his time in Seattle, showing some surprising pop at the plate at times to go with sturdy defense at shortstop,” Landers wrote. “But he regressed as a hitter in 2024, and he just turned 30 years old in January. His decline may have already begun, and if he becomes a liability as a defender as he ages, this becomes a very risky profile.”Add to that the fact that Crawford still has two years and $23 million remaining on the contract extension he signed before the 2022 season, and it’s not hard to imagine Seattle looking to get out from under that deal sooner rather than later.”Crawford hasn’t found himself in too many trade rumors, but with top prospect Colt Emerson quickly approaching the big leagues, this might not be out of the realm of possibility.If Emerson bursts onto the scene to begin the season, there’s a chance the Mariners are shopping Crawford at the deadline in order to cut spending and clear a spot for their top prospect.It’s not the most likely idea that the Mariners will trade Crawford this season, but given the huge deal they just handed to Raleigh, it could happen.More MLB: Padres Predicted To Trade $108 Million Superstar Pitcher To AL Powerhouse
