Seattle Mariners explore trade options for right-hander Emerson Hancock
The Mariners, who have a deep pitching staff, are reportedly willing to trade Emerson Hancock to add offensive depth before the trade deadline.
Seattle is reportedly open to moving right-hander Emerson Hancock as part of a strategy to bolster its offense before the trade deadline. Sources Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon said the club believes it can afford to subtract from its rotation because it already has six viable starters—Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Bryce Miller, Luis Castillo and Hancock—plus top pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan.
The Mariners have a 51-52 record and sit half a game behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West, despite a +17 run differential. Management appears ready to become a buyer, targeting right-handed hitters such as Ryan Jeffers, Zach Neto, Taylor Ward and others to address a .216/.302/.334 line and low wRC+ against left-handed pitching.
Among the rotation, Castillo carries the highest salary and lowest trade value, while the younger arms are under team control through arbitration. Hancock, who entered the 2026 season with 162 2/3 innings and a 4.81 ERA, has improved this year to a 3.16 ERA over 105 1/3 innings with a 23.4% strikeout rate. He remains under team control for four additional seasons and will not be eligible for arbitration until after 2027, making him a potentially valuable asset for both contending and rebuilding clubs.
Seattle’s depth allows it to consider parting with Hancock while retaining other pitchers and preserving its prospect pool, which includes position players like Ryan Jeffers, Zach Neto and Taylor Ward. The trade would aim to address the team’s offensive shortcomings, particularly against left-handed pitching, without sacrificing the core of its pitching staff.