FIRST WORD

We opted to take a step back in the short term to take two steps forward without having to wait through a long rebuild. This was about identifying a point in that 2020-21 window when we can reset our roster and really put together an exciting group for that period of time.”

Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto on 710-ESPN, according to the TriCity Herald in Kennewick, Washington, on the trade of ace pitcher James Paxton to the Yankees for three prospects: left-hander Justus Sheffield, right-hander Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams.