Earlier this week, ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney told us that he didn't think a Seattle Mariners trade return on starting pitcher Emerson Hancock would be as good as we think it should be.

The reason? The glut of starting pitchers that is available on the trade market, from Kevin Gausman to Shane Bieber to Robbie Ray. And of course, Tarik Skubal. 

However, maybe the M's fortunes are changing on that front, with Bob Nightengale of USA Today writing the following on Saturday morning, just two days before the deadline:

– Teams are salivating over the idea of acquiring Hancock, who’s easily the most prized young starter on the market. They believe that the Cubs could have the best shot at him if they include outfielder Seiya Suzuki and perhaps infielder Matt Shaw in a deal.

That's certainly a welcome idea for the Mariners, who would be accomplishing quite a bit in that deal. Suzuki, who is a free agent at the end of this season, would give the Mariners a much-needed offensive jolt this season, while Shaw could become a real answer for this team's infield in the future.

The 31-year-old Suzuki is hitting .270 with 18 home runs and 60 RBIs, and he provides the kind of right-handed power that this team desperately needs. No matter who it's been:  Rob Refsnyder, Victor Robles, Weston Wilson, Patrick Wisdom, Ryan Bliss: The right-handed group hasn't performed particularly well this season.

As for Shaw? He's a former top prospect in baseball. Still just 24 years old, he's yet to take off, hitting .246 this season with four homers and 20 RBIs. He's spent time in the minor leagues and is currently injured, but he's the kind of power bat that the M's can use, especially from the right side. He plays third base and is under team control for several more seasons.

Frankly, if the M's could make this deal, it seems like a coup, despite the fact that Hancock has enjoyed a breakout season on the mound. He's just 27 years old, is under team control for 4-plus more years, and is 6-5 with a 3.26 ERA in 20 starts

After a very difficult 5-3 loss on Friday, the Mariners continue to fade from the playoff picture. They are 53-58, five games under .500 for the first time since April 21. They are 3.0 games back of both the American League West and the American League wild card.

With 51 games to play, the M's have to find a way to flip the script, beginning on Saturday. They'll take on the Minnesota Twins again at 1:10 p.m. PT. Logan Gilbert is on the mound.