The Seattle Mariners were among the more intriguing teams at the 2026 MLB trade deadline for several reasons.
They traded Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox before acquiring Taylor Ward from the Baltimore Orioles. But the more compelling speculation centered on the possibility of Randy Arozarena, Emerson Hancock, and George Kirby being moved.
However, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Mariners “insist” they never planned to trade Kirby, their All-Star right-handed starter, although they were willing to hear offers for Hancock.
“The Seattle Mariners insist they were never interested in trading starter George Kirby, but did listen to offers for starter Emerson Hancock,” Nightengale reports.
As the August 3 MLB trade deadline approached, the speculation surrounding Kirby intensified to the point that ESPN’s Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniel gave him a 50% chance of being traded.
Those were significant odds, especially considering they were higher than the projected chances for some players who ultimately were dealt, including Jose Soriano of the AL West-rival Los Angeles Angels.
Still, according to Nightengale, the Mariners maintain that they never seriously intended to move Kirby at this year’s deadline. Hancock, on the other hand, was genuinely available in trade discussions.
Kirby is 28 years old, a former All-Star, and remains under team control through the 2028 season. Hancock, meanwhile, is 27, has yet to make an All-Star team, and is under club control through the 2030 MLB season.
Interestingly, Seattle appeared more willing to entertain trades involving Hancock, the younger pitcher with more years of team control, than Kirby, who is a year older and would reach free agency two seasons sooner.
Ultimately, the Mariners held onto both starters, keeping Kirby and Hancock on the roster as they continue their push for a postseason berth in a wide-open American League.
The Mariners insist that, despite all the speculation leading into the deadline, Kirby was never actually intended to be traded. Hancock was available, but Seattle ultimately found no deal for him either.