THE CHEAP SEATS with STEVE CAMERON: M's general manager ready to get down to wheelin’ and dealin’

Jerry Dipoto calls it the happiest day of the year.

Nope.

Not Christmas.

The Mariners’ president of baseball operations is referring to the first business day after the World Series.

Why?

With Dipoto, this one should be obvious.

His excitement stems from the day being the first time that MLB clubs can make trades.

By the way, that particular day, which obviously came earlier this week, isn’t to be confused with the date that teams officially can sign free agents — which is five days after the Series.

Yes, that rush starts Thursday at 2 p.m.

Mariners fans have been kicking around the names of players on the free-agent market, hungry to improve a team that busted into the playoff picture, won a series and eventually lost to eventual Series champion Houston in a wildly competitive American League Division Series.

The obvious goal for Dipoto, newly promoted GM Justin Hollander and the entire Mariners brain trust is closing the remaining gap between the M’s and Houston.

While fans are looking at free agents with their tongues hanging out (and the Mariners are talking seriously to player representatives), Dipoto’s history suggests he’s looking first at trade possibilities.

SURE, THE Mariners’ needs are pretty obvious.

The club has to find a couple more bats — preferably one belonging to a middle infielder, and another to help anchor a shifting cast in the outfield.

The Mariners' executive team is currently in Las Vegas, meeting with reps from other clubs and player agents during a three-day general managers meeting.

Dipoto has a track record of acting quickly at these get-togethers, and during the offseason in general.

Last year, with all negotiations halted by the lockout, the Mariners still managed to sign Cy Young winner Robbie Ray before things were shut down — then came right back after the settlement to trade for Jesse Winker and Eugenio Suarez.

As things stand, that trade is still front and center as the Mariners try to nail down a plan for 2023.

Basically, here’s the question …

What about Winker?

A solid, productive hitter throughout his big-league career, Winker sank to a .219 average and a .688 OPS that were nowhere near his numbers over the five previous seasons (including a career OPS just under .900).

Meanwhile, Jesse’s defense in left field dropped from “below average” to disastrous.

It turned out that Winker was dealing with two physical problems that required surgery — issues with his knee and neck.

“You don’t consistently hit major league pitching, and hit it hard, for several years and then fall off a cliff like that for no reason,” Dipoto said.

“Jesse was still swinging at the right pitches — he drew 84 walks — but as the season went on, his contact became weaker.

“It became obvious that it was a strength issue, and I believe if he can get back to good health, he’ll remain an impact big league hitter.”

The Mariners’ philosophy has been to rotate the DH spot among everyday players, trying to keep everyone fresh.

But …

If Winker gets back to banging the ball, his defensive shortcomings may push him to become something close to a regular DH.

Assuming that works out, the Mariners still need that middle infielder with some sock, and another outfielder to cover the possibility that — for various reasons — they can’t bet the house on Jarred Kelenic, Kyle Lewis or Mitch Haniger (who may depart in free agency).

Jon Morosi of the MLB Network has twice appeared on Seattle talk radio and suggested his prime free-agent targets for the Mariners …

Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts and Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo.

NEITHER of those additions would come cheap.

Bogaerts hit the open market by opting out of a contract that would have paid him $20 million per year for three more seasons.

Still …

The Mariners have a serious pennant chase window open right now.

The club’s ownership has maintained all along that if sustainable contention could be achieved, money would be available to fill in the final pieces.

So far, that’s been the recipe as salaries were shed during the two-year “step back” process, and then when things began falling into place in 2021, Seattle shelled out big-money deals for Ray, exciting franchise centerpiece Julio Rodriguez and eventually, top-of-the-rotation starter Luis Castillo.

You have to believe that it’s hardly time to stop now.

One of the interesting issues that Dipoto has mentioned involves changes to MLB rules.

Specifically, he has his eye on elimination of dramatic infield shifts — as defenses next year must have two infielders on each side of second base, and they have to remain on the dirt.

Quite a few players should benefit from the new defensive look, and ironically, Winker might be the poster boy as he’s a dead pull hitter.

It’s funny how Winker, currently considered a flop in Seattle (although the Mariners benefitted enormously from getting Eugenio Suarez in the same trade), could be a key to improving the offense.

Bidding for Nimmo, an on-base expert who adds excellent defense, makes lots of sense — and if he moves elsewhere, Andrew Benintendi is a cheaper version of that same player profile.

Putting all these pieces in place will be a fascinating exercise.

I’ve long believed that the more difficult MLB makes things, and the most possible moving parts are involved …

The more the savvy Mariners’ advantage will grow.

Let’s see.

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Steve Cameron’s “Cheap Seats” columns appear in The Press each week from Tuesday through Friday.

Steve suggests you take his opinions in the spirit of a Jimmy Buffett song: “Breathe In, Breathe Out, Move On.”