Mariners' biggest mistake after 2026 MLB trade deadline

The Seattle Mariners’ biggest misstep at the 2026 MLB trade deadline wasn’t trading away Luis Castillo—it was failing to add a second middle-of-the-order power bat after acquiring Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles. Ward has been productive, hitting .246/.383/.346 with a 117 wRC+ and posting a 141 wRC+ vs left-handed pitching, while also helping with Seattle’s platoon issues. But Seattle’s offense still ranks near the bottom, entering Wednesday at .230/.310/.377 with a .687 OPS and 454 runs (28th). The lineup also shows troubling drops, including Cal Raleigh’s 70 wRC+. The missed impact further limits postseason upside.