It looks like Jerry Dipoto might have to resort to ‘Plan Z’ for the Seattle Mariners this offseason, and it could involve parting ways with a prized pitcher to land a much-needed offensive weapon. The Mariners, boasting a pitching staff that could rival any team in the league, have found themselves in a familiar position – needing a jolt of power in their lineup. While Dipoto has publicly stated his desire to keep his pitching rotation intact, the whispers around the league suggest he may be backed into a corner.

The Money Dilemma

Owner John Stanton has confirmed that the payroll will increase this year, but don’t expect any major splashes in free agency. After shedding salary by trading away Eugenio Suarez and Marco Gonzales, the team is looking to be financially flexible. However, with young stars like George Kirby, Cal Raleigh, and Logan Gilbert all due for raises in arbitration, finding the funds for a big bat on the free-agent market seems unlikely.

Trading Prospects: Easier Said Than Done

Dipoto has undoubtedly worked the phones, gauging the trade value of his prospects. However, as Seattle Times reporters Ryan Divish and Adam Jude have pointed out, the expanded playoff format has thrown a wrench into things. With more teams believing they have a shot at the postseason, fewer are willing to part with established major leaguers for prospects.

If you can’t trade prospects and aren’t willing to make any significant additions via free agency, you may be forced to do something that you haven’t wanted to for a while.

The Orioles: A Potential Trade Partner?

Enter the Baltimore Orioles. With a young, talented team knocking on the door of contention, they might be willing to deal from their offensive surplus for an established arm. Could a package centered around one of the Orioles’ top prospects, like Coby Mayo or Heston Kjerstad, be enough to pry Luis Castillo or Logan Gilbert away from Seattle?

The Mariners have pitching depth waiting in the wings. Emerson Hancock, Logan Evans, and Brandyn Garcia are all knocking on the door of the big leagues.

Could Dipoto roll the dice, trusting his young arms to fill the void and bolstering the lineup with a proven bat? One thing is for sure: Dipoto might just have to make a move he’d rather not, and the baseball world will be watching closely.