Mariners Strengthen Bullpen with Yimi García Acquisition

The Seattle Mariners have made a significant move to enhance their bullpen by acquiring right-hander Yimi García from the Toronto Blue Jays. The trade, announced on Friday, involved sending top prospect Jonatan Clase to Toronto. This acquisition follows Seattle's earlier deal for outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays, indicating a proactive approach to bolster their roster as they navigate a challenging season. García has been a standout performer this season, appearing in 29 games with an impressive 2.70 ERA, 42 strikeouts, and only eight walks. Despite a brief setback due to a nerve issue in his elbow, he returned to action post-All-Star break and previously made a career-high 73 appearances for the Blue Jays last year. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander praised García's ability to dominate the strike zone and perform under pressure, expressing excitement about his addition to the team. The Mariners' bullpen has faced challenges this season, particularly with the absence of Gregory Santos, who has been sidelined due to a lat strain and a recent knee injury. The team has struggled, posting a 9-20 record since June 19, making García's arrival timely as they seek to improve their performance. In addition to Clase, the Blue Jays will also receive minor league catcher Jacob Sharp, who is currently playing in Class A Modesto. Clase, ranked among Seattle's top 10 prospects, has had a mixed season, batting .195 in 19 games for the Mariners while showcasing potential with a .274 average, 10 home runs, and 36 RBIs in Triple-A Tacoma.