Mariners projected to have a J.P. Crawford problem at MLB trade deadline

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Mariners projected to have a J.P. Crawford problem at MLB trade deadline originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Seattle Mariners are sitting atop the American League West with a 33-30 record, as they've rebounded nicely from a rough start to the season.

But this team does still have a few issues to address over the summer. Of their issues, the biggest one is the offensive production of the team, with Seattle likely needing one more slugger to complete the roster.

However, as Bleacher Report's Tim Kelly pointed out, the Mariners are projected to have a J.P. Crawford problem at the MLB trade deadline, as the veteran Mariners shortstop is going to make adding talent a bit trickier this season.

Mariners have a J.P. Crawford trade deadline problem​

"Still, this feels like a team in need of another bat. The question is where that bat would play defensively," Kelly writes. "... And even though he's in a contract year, J.P. Crawford is going to continue to have a starting spot in the infield."

Josh Naylor is entrenched at first base, Cole Young is the second baseman, and Colt Emerson is the third baseman. Brendan Donovan might also factor into those spots, along with his role in the outfield.

Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodriguez, and a red-hot Luke Raley aren't going anywhere either. The only feasible spot for a new hitter is at designated hitter, but that's assuming Donovan, Cal Raleigh, or Dominic Canzone aren't starting there.

Crawford at shortstop is the most obvious candidate to be replaced, as his defense has been a big issue for Seattle this season. But, with a .757 OPS, he's not that bad of a hitter that the Mariners need to shake things up so drastically.

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While Seattle could use another hitter this season, it's going to be hard to find a spot on the roster for a new slugger. Crawford is a big reason why, as he's not going anywhere despite being one of the more obviously replaceable players in the lineup right now.

This is a problem for the Mariners, but it's not necessarily a bad one to have. It's a crowded lineup, and if fully healthy, there's not really any open spot on the entire roster.

It will be interesting to see how Seattle handles the trade deadline, as they could focus on bullpen help and less so on offensive upgrades, as there's not really a path for a new face to get into the lineup consistently based on how everyone is playing right now.

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