SEATTLE — The Mariners spent Monday morning trying to iron out the details on a trade to acquire shortstop Zack Cozart from the Cincinnati Reds before the 1 p.m. PDT deadline for non-waiver deals.
It didn’t happen.
Multiple sources earlier indicated a deal seemed likely. The Mariners believed they had a framework for a two-for-two deal in place Sunday in which they would have sent minor-league pitcher Luiz Gohara to the Reds.
The proposed swap had two other minor-league players changing clubs but, ultimately, the Reds backed away — apparently because they spent much of the morning restructuring a trade that sent outfielder Jay Bruce to the New York Mets.
In effect, it appears the Reds ran out of time before they could completely review and assess the medical records of the players they were to receive from the Mariners.
General manager Jerry Dipoto declined to discuss specifics but, asked how close the Mariners came to a trade, he replied: “Thirty seconds? But that’s not unusual at the trade deadline. We had a lot of things going on.
“Some that came much closer than others. Some got very deep into the deal-making phase and just didn’t come to pass.”
Trades can still be made provided the players involved clear waivers, which give every other major-league club the opportunity to acquire the player simply by taking over his contract.
“We’re going to have something on the market in August,” Dipoto said. “I guarantee there will be more activity throughout the league, and we’ll probably be at the center of that.”
Mariners officials didn’t rule out a resumption of talks with the Reds regarding Cozart, who won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2017 season.
The Mariners did make three trades in recent days:
n On Sunday, they sent left-handed starter Wade Miley to Baltimore for minor-league lefty Ariel Miranda, who was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Miranda, 27, is likely to be recalled in time to fill Miley’s vacancy in the rotation for Thursday’s series finale against Boston at Safeco Field.
n On July 26, they acquired reliever Drew Storen from Toronto in a trade for reliever Joaquin Benoit.
n On July 20, they acquired two minor-league prospects — first baseman/designated hitter Dan Vogelbach and right-hander Paul Blackburn — from the Chicago Cubs for lefty swingman Mike Montgomery and minor-league righty Jordan Pries.
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