Seattle Mariners Not Pursuing Third Base Help, Leaning In-House

The Seattle Mariners are quietly drawing up their infield blueprint for the next phase of their competitive window. The picture seems to get a little clearer every day.

With Josh Naylor re-signed and second base now the main focus, Seattle’s showing a real belief in its internal third base options. They’re still poking around for external upgrades at second and DH, but not at the hot corner.

Mariners Double Down on Josh Naylor and Shift Focus to Second Base

The first domino of the offseason fell when the Mariners re-signed Josh Naylor. That move locked in a key middle-of-the-order bat and added stability to their infield depth chart.

With first base and part of the DH load handled, Seattle’s now all-in on shoring up second base and finding another bat for the part-time designated hitter role. The search has led them back to a familiar name: Jorge Polanco.

The front office is actively working to reunite with the veteran switch-hitter. They see him as a great fit for second base and as someone who can also contribute as a part-time DH.

Jorge Polanco Remains the Preferred Solution

Polanco’s mix of on-base skills, some pop, and versatility makes him Seattle’s top target for second. His comfort in the clubhouse and knack for lengthening the lineup are driving the push for a reunion.

If Polanco comes back, the Mariners see him as:

• Mostly an everyday second baseman
• A part-time DH to keep his bat in play and manage his workload
• A veteran presence around their young infielders

Exploring Trade Options: Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte

Polanco isn’t the only route Seattle’s exploring for second base. The front office has also checked in on possible trades for Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte.

Both would bring something different, but valuable, to the roster mix.

Donovan’s Versatility vs. Marte’s Star Power

Brendan Donovan offers standout versatility. He can move around the diamond, give you quality at-bats, and get on base at a strong clip.

In Seattle’s eyes, Donovan isn’t just a second base answer—he’s a safety net elsewhere, including third if needed. Ketel Marte brings more established offensive firepower at second.

His track record of impact production would instantly lengthen the lineup and raise the Mariners’ offensive ceiling. The cost in prospects would probably be hefty, but just having him in the conversation shows Seattle’s ambition for the position.

Why Third Base Is Not a Priority in Seattle’s Plans

Despite their push for help at second, sources say the Mariners are not actively chasing third base upgrades. It’s not really about the market—it’s about trusting their young infielders and not blocking them with short-term veterans.

This approach affects both their external targets and how they handle internal depth.

Eugenio Suarez as a Contingency, Not a Cornerstone

Former Mariner Eugenio Suarez is on the radar, but just in a narrow role. If Polanco doesn’t return, Suarez could be a fallback option.

Even then, the club would use him only as a part-time third baseman because of his subpar defensive metrics in 2025. Seattle doesn’t want to commit heavily to a veteran whose defense doesn’t fit their run-prevention style.

Youth Movement at the Hot Corner: Williamson, Emerson, and Young

Instead of chasing a big-name third baseman, the Mariners are betting on their homegrown infield talent. Three names stand out: Ben Williamson, Colt Emerson, and Cole Young.

Each has a different timeline and skill set, but together they’re the backbone of Seattle’s long-term infield plan.

Ben Williamson: Defense First, Bat Developing

Ben Williamson is closest to being a regular at third. His bat’s still coming along, but his solid defense at the hot corner has already earned the team’s trust.

In a system that values run prevention and athleticism, his glove gives him a real shot at everyday duty if the bat keeps improving.

Colt Emerson and the 2026 Timeline

Top prospect Colt Emerson looks like a future impact player, even though his Triple-A experience is still pretty limited. Internally, the club sees him contributing in 2026, with a shot to break in as early as Opening Day that year.

His arrival is a big reason Seattle doesn’t want to overcommit to an outside third baseman. They want a clear path for Emerson when he’s ready.

Cole Young’s Role Alongside Polanco

Cole Young, another top infield prospect, spent most of 2025 at second base. The current plan has him sharing time with Polanco if the veteran returns.

That timeshare would blend veteran steadiness with youthful upside and give the team some insurance against injuries or slumps.

Why Alex Bregman Isn’t in the Mariners’ Plans

On paper, Alex Bregman looks like a great fit for a team wanting more star power at third base. His agent, Scott Boras, has shown some interest in talking with the Mariners.

But the front office just hasn’t made a move for the former All-Star.

The reasons are pretty clear:

• The club really trusts its internal third base options
• Bregman’s expected cost—both in years and money—is huge
• A long-term deal could block prospects like Emerson and Williamson

Seattle’s offseason plan is taking shape. They want to stabilize second base and DH, maybe with a veteran like Polanco or someone versatile like Donovan.

If the right deal pops up, maybe they’ll take a shot on someone like Marte. But at third base, they seem set on letting their young guys have a real shot.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners “Not Active In” Pursuing Third Base Help