By Ryan Divish

The Seattle Times

Re-imagine a Mariners’ starting rotation without its most talented pitcher.

As part of the general manager Jerry Dipoto’s offseason of change, which isn’t a teardown, but it a re-imagination of the roster, Seattle has traded talented, but at times enigmatic left-handed pitcher James Paxton to the New York Yankees in exchange for three prospects — left-handed pitcher Justus Sheffield, right-handed pitcher Erik Swanson and outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams.

Of the three prospects acquired, Sheffield is the most regarded. He was considered the Yankees’ No. 1 prospect in their organization by Baseball America.

This Dipoto’s second major trade of the offseason, having sent catcher Mike Zunino in a trade to the Rays for outfielder Mallex Smith and outfield prospect Jake Fraley.