Mariners trade rumors: Taijuan Walker, James Paxton not available in trades

Though rumors have surfaced that the Mariners may be willing to take offers for young starters Taijuan Walker and James Paxton, it appears both will be staying put at the trade deadline.

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto told FOXSports.com’s Ken Rosenthal that Walker will “stay right where he is” through the deadline. As a follow-up, I reached out to Dipoto to see if the same applied to Paxton. He replied with a simple “yes”.

Seattle already made one move as a seller, dealing lefty reliever Mike Montgomery to the Cubs in a 4-player trade last week. The Mariners are considering parting with veteran pieces like Wade Miley, Adam Lind and Steve Cishek before Monday, but will not part with either Walker or Paxton.

According to a recent report from Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Cubs and Rangers have both reached out to Seattle with interest in Walker or Paxton amidst a very week market for starting pitching.

Paxton is controllable through the 2019 season and Walker is controlled through the 2020 season, so Seattle is in no rush to get deals done for them.