Mariners, Reds do not make Zack Cozart trade

UPDATE: Cozart was not traded before the deadline, as talks between Cincinnati and Seattle fell through.
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ORIGINAL: The Mariners are closing in on acquiring shortstop Zack Cozart from the Reds, according to Bob Dutton of the Tacoma News Tribune. Dutton adds that no deal is complete, but that the sides are confident something will get done.

Dutton reports that the deal may be a 2-for-2 swap that would send left-hander Luiz Gohara to Cincinnati. The other pieces are not yet known.

Seattle has already made two trades this summer, dealing Mike Montgomery to the Cubs and Wade Miley to the Orioles. Despite those deals appearing to paint the Mariners as sellers, a league source indicated last night that the club is “still focused on the potential to turn around and buy” in advance of today’s 4 p.m. deadline.

Cozart, 30, is under control through next season and would likely take over for Ketel Marte as the Mariners’ starting shortstop while Marte battles mononucleosis. Cincinnati is expected to make many moves before the deadline, and is said to be heavily shopping outfielder Jay Bruce.

Gohara, 20, is currently ranked as the 5th-best prospect in Seattle’s system by MLB.com. The Brazilian southpaw has posted a 2.05 ERA in eight starts split between Low-A Everett and Single-A Clinton.