The Mariners and Dodgers each announced that Seattle has acquired left-hander Robinson Ortiz in exchange for minor league right-hander Tyler Gough.
Neither player has any big league experience, but the trade is likely more about the Dodgers’ desire to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. Tuesday is the deadline for teams to set their rosters in advance of the Rule 5 Draft, and Friday is the non-tender deadline, making for a very busy upcoming week of roster churning.
Interestingly, it was only 10 days ago that Los Angeles selected Ortiz’s contract to the 40-man roster, but the Dodgers have now changed course and sent Ortiz to Seattle. L.A. now has 38 places filled on its 40-man, while the Mariners have at least 39 spots addressed and potentially a full 40 depending on when Josh Naylor’s new contract is made official.
Ortiz (who turns 26 in January) had spent his entire pro career in the Dodgers organization prior to today’s trade. Between the canceled 2020 minor league season and multiple injury problems, Ortiz pitched only 22 2/3 innings over a five-year span covering the 2020-24 seasons, but the 2025 campaign represented some return to relative normalcy. The southpaw posted a 2.73 ERA and 28.3% strikeout rate over 59 1/3 combined innings at three different minor league levels, with Ortiz making his debuts at both the Double-A and Triple-A levels last year.
A nasty slider/sinker combo has led to a lot of strikeouts for Ortiz, though control has continued to be an issue, as evidenced by his 13.2% walk rate in 2025. Seattle is notably thin in left-handed pitching, as Gabe Speier currently represents the only lefty slated to be part of the Mariners’ bullpen mix next year. Ortiz adds a bit more depth in that department, and there appears to be plenty of upside for Ortiz as a relief weapon if he can cut back on the free passes.
Gough was a ninth-round pick for the Mariners in the 2022 draft, and he posted a 4.66 ERA over 125 2/3 innings at A-level Modesto in 2023-24, starting 32 of his 33 career games. A Tommy John surgery in September 2024 has since kept Gough off the mound, though the usual TJ recovery timeline should put the right-hander in line to be ready for a healthy Spring Training come February.
Trader Jerry at it again!
Someone got the memo it was time to make moves.
Is this just clearing 40-man space for one of these teams?
Yes, Dodgers finna sign Tucker & Diaz soon.
Diaz needs to come home to Seattle, but only after they sign Polanco and Saurez, in that order. Add those 3 and they will be the AL favorite in 2026. Spend a little, Stanton. It will feel good.
Geno will not be Back in Seattle… contact rates too low and Ben plays Gold Glive defense… woukd love to see a Deal for Polo done 👍
“AL favourite in 2026” Dreaming.
Here’s a reality check for you. If the Astros had not been decimated by injuries, the Mariners would not have made the post season at all.
Expect to be in 2nd or 3rd place in the division in 2026.
Ok
The Astros reign is over. Long live the Mariners!
Good luck. We’re still here next year. And, can you post back to back competitive seasons?
Lot of ifs on the Astros right now. If you can stay healthy, if Walker can bounce back, if Pena’s O was not a fluke. If Altuve or Yordan can play D…
You’re time is up. The M’s are hungry.
For the Dodgers, yes
It is, but LA is getting a lottery ticket with significant promise.
Seattle is getting a promising LHRP who misses bats and induces ground balls and is near-ready if not ready-now.
Great deal for both clubs, in my opinion.
ooh a lefty
Nice little pickup
The game is afoot
The foot is a game.
When is a game not a game?
When Rendon is on your team.
I was going to say, when it’s afoot; but I suppose both can be true.
And Kris Bryant
When is a door not a door?
Bart, this year it might be Rendons foot.
When it’s ajar.
Adorable!
My dogs are barkin’
When the dogs are a barkin, dont come a narkin?
If the game is afoot a three game series is ayard
Get outta my yard!
And if a three game series is a yard a years worth accumulation of series would be your lawn and given the length of a Dodgers season counting playoffs and extras you sir have a very big estate so that tracks
Mariners putting together quite the World Series runner up team today. /S
FanGraphs gave Hough a 35 FV and Robinson a 35+ FV
This move gets the Dodgers something for Ortiz who was unlikely to help much with Scott, Vesia, Banda and Dreyer ahead of him on the depth chart and clears up a 40 player roster spot.
Good trade for Ms…they need leftys.
Trader Jerry is keeping the hot stove on tonight! I’m sure he’s got more trades in him this offseason.
Deal works out for Both teams, Seattle get a Lefty further down the Pipeline and Dodgets gets to clear a 40Man Spot… Win Win
Probably why they did it.
I do love to see the Mariners make moves. Especially when they’re close. I’m a homer for my O’s, but some of the teams I’ve always had a thing for are teams in the west like the Rockies (God help them) the A’s and the Mariners. Especially as I now reside in Idaho. Jerry may not always hit on every move, but he’s always looking to improve. And that I can respect.
This is the real impact move. Naylor signing was the distraction.
Beats Robinson Carew, so
He’s a cross between Robinson Cano and David Ortiz… but he’s a pitcher!🤣