(Cash added because Jacob DeGrom has such low value, there is no cash involved in this trade) The Rangers got the ace they were looking for in Max Scherzer. But wait -- while Scherzer and Nathan Eovaldi are a great pair of aces, you need more than that in a playoff rotation. So how about they go get another one? The Rangers got to win-now mode fast, so while deGrom is the best pitcher in the world when he's healthy, they don't have time to wait. Castillo-Scherzer-Eovaldi can win you a World Series immediately. The Mariners have arms to spare, and the Rangers have bats to spare, so they can part with Duran. The Mariners path to the playoffs is difficult, so here's what they're gonna do: They're gonna go get deGrom. deGrom and Robbie Ray will come back from Tommy John surgery together, and by that time, Seattle's young core of Julio Rodríguez, Jarred Kelenic, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller -- plus the newly acquired Duran from this deal -- will be even better. deGrom will come back just in time to lead an up-and-coming Mariners powerhouse. The 24-year-old Duran, who's having a breakout season and is extremely versatile, can slot into the Mariners' lineup wherever they need him most, which right now is probably second base but could be in the outfield or at third base. And the 24-year-old Foscue adds a bat-first infield prospect who could also grow into one of those roles.

Ray is with the Giants and Kelenic is with Atlanta now. Mariners would be a hard pass. This trade would probably help the Astro's more than the Mariners