UPDATE (3:06 PM ET) -- It looks like the trade market may be staying quiet after all. Two reports out of Seattle say that nothing is close on the Mariners' front.
Talked with multiple sources with the M's and have been told that there isn't a trade that's "close."
— Ryan Divish (@RyanDivish) July 15, 2015
With backup Jesus Sucre batting .038 (1-for-26), won't be surprise if/when Mariners deal for a catcher. But not hearing anything imminent.
— Greg Johns (@GregJohnsMLB) July 15, 2015
Morosi adds that the M's have discussed the possibility of acquiring A.J. Pierzynski from the Braves, though no deal is close there. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi adds that the Blue Jays are not close to dealing a catcher to Seattle, despite Dioner Navarro being thought of as an option for the Mariners.
Also of note, Seattle released catcher Erik Kratz on Wednesday. Kratz was at Triple-A Tacoma after signing a minor league deal with the M's, and was considered a candidate to be promoted to the big club in place of Sucre.
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ORIGINAL -- We may be close to our first significant July trade. The Seattle Mariners are close to trading for a catcher, according to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports.
It's interesting that it's the Mariners kicking off the trades, as they sit at 41-48 and sit 7.5 games back of the Angels in the AL West. But from a catching standpoint, there are a number of options that could interest the Mariners.
Catching options potentially available on trade market: Dioner Navarro, Geovany Soto, Jeff Mathis, Derek Norris, Nick Hundley, Mike McKenry
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 15, 2015
Other catching options: Alex Avila, AJ Pierzynski, Christian Bethancourt, Wilin Rosario. #Mariners
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 15, 2015
The Mariners catching has been a sore spot offensively. Their everyday catcher Mike Zunino is sporting a .160 average to go with a .223 on-base percentage in 81 games. Jesus Sucre, backing him up, has hit .038 with a .038 on-base percentage in only 26 at-bats. Even if they acquire one of the B or C level catchers available, it would be an immediate upgrade from what they have been getting from the position this season.