With the Los Angeles Dodgers securing back-to-back World Series titles after an epic seven-game showdown against the Toronto Blue Jays, heartbroken Seattle Mariners fans can finally turn their attention toward next year.
The Mariners were just eight outs away from reaching their first-ever World Series before the Blue Jays closed the door. Still, Toronto’s near-upset of Los Angeles proved something encouraging: the Dodgers aren’t unbeatable. The margin between glory and heartbreak was a few inches — and a half-second — from a Jays walk-off win. The window is open for any contender bold enough to step through.
Seattle will return most of its ALCS core next season but faces some key offseason decisions. Some moves they need to make; others, they should make. Here’s a look into the crystal ball for the Mariners’ offseason and what might unfold as they aim to take that final step toward a championship run.
1. Filling the Hole at First Base
The Mariners acquired Josh Naylor from Arizona the week before the trade deadline, and while expectations were high, few foresaw just how impactful he’d be. Seattle went from fielding a .200-hitting first base platoon to getting a 2.2 WAR player in just 54 games.
“The Big Grumper” quickly became a fan favorite with his intensity, power at the plate, and stellar defense. At 28, he’s entering his prime, and the Mariners have limited internal options at first base after trading top prospect Tyler Locklear to acquire him.
Letting Naylor walk would likely send Seattle back to the bargain-bin platoon route — something fans have seen enough of. Among free-agent first basemen, Naylor is both the youngest and most productive, meaning he’ll command a significant payday. But if the Mariners truly want to compete with baseball’s heavyweights, this is the moment to prove it.
What they should do: Re-sign Josh Naylor.
What they will do: Re-sign Naylor for five years, $125 million.
2. Finding Financial Flexibility for Upgrades
The front office must determine whether the current core can support a playoff push — and how to balance the roster’s youth and experience.
After the July 31 trade deadline, young players like Cole Young and Ben Williamson were squeezed out of the lineup when Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez joined the infield. With both veterans now free agents, the team faces a crossroads. Bringing back Polanco seems unlikely if re-signing Naylor consumes most of the available payroll.
If that’s the case, Williamson at third base and Young (or top prospect Colt Emerson) at second will be the cost-effective path forward. Meanwhile, top catching prospect Harry Ford is poised to step into the backup catcher role behind Cal Raleigh. If no designated hitter is added, expect Ford and Raleigh to split catching and DH duties.
If the young trio performs, the Mariners might just ride their farm-grown talent back into contention.
What they should do: Trade a starting pitcher to free up money for Polanco while trusting youth at third and DH.
What they will do: Rely on youth across second base, third base, and catcher/DH.
3. Pitching Depth: Lessons Learned
Down the stretch, the Mariners learned a hard truth: you can never have too much pitching. When Bryan Woo went down in his final regular-season start, the team was forced to patch together its rotation through the postseason. The bullpen — a longtime strength — was depleted and running on fumes by the ALCS.
The Mariners will add their usual wave of new bullpen arms this winter, but if they want another deep October run, they’ll need to think creatively. Top pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloane are expected to reach the majors by next September. Even if neither is ready to start, their ability to handle multi-inning relief could be a postseason game-changer.
What they should do: Keep the rotation intact and bolster the bullpen with homegrown arms.
What they will do: Trade Luis Castillo to free up payroll — and hope the remaining rotation holds together.
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