Why Mariners Still Push to Make More Trades and Signings

The Seattle Mariners find themselves in an unusual spot as spring training approaches. They’re on the short list of World Series contenders, yet the roster still feels incomplete.

After coming within a game of the Fall Classic last season, expectations in Seattle are sky-high. But a mix of budget constraints, tough trade markets, and missed targets has left their offseason feeling unfinished.

Mariners’ Offseason Began with a Statement Move

Seattle kicked off the winter with a move that showed real intent. The front office landed slugger Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million deal, instantly strengthening the heart of the lineup and sending a message to the rest of the league.

That signing looked like the start of a big spree. Instead, it stands out as the lone splash in an offseason that’s mostly focused on smaller, need-based moves.

Depth Over Star Power in Subsequent Moves

After bringing in Naylor, the Mariners shifted to targeted depth upgrades. They traded top catching prospect Harry Ford and minor leaguer Isaac Lyon for lefty reliever Jose A. Ferrer, clearly aiming to stabilize the bullpen from the left side.

Seattle also addressed some position-player gaps by signing catcher Andrew Knizner and right-handed bat Rob Refsnyder. These aren’t household names, but each fills a role the club felt was lacking:

These moves raise the roster’s floor. Still, they don’t quite replace the middle-of-the-order power the front office wanted.

The Missing Piece: A Middle-of-the-Order Infielder

Seattle’s plan from the start included adding an impact infielder for the top half of the lineup. The ideal scenario? A reunion with Jorge Polanco, whose switch-hitting power and versatility seemed like a perfect fit.

Polanco chose the New York Mets instead, forcing the Mariners to pivot and push untested youth into bigger roles.

Youth Movement: Williamson, Young, and Emerson

Right now, Ben Williamson and Cole Young are projected as regulars in the infield. Elite prospect Colt Emerson is making a strong push for a roster spot.

There’s upside here—Seattle’s player development has earned respect. But it’s risky to lean this hard on players with limited big-league experience.

President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and GM Justin Hollander know it. They’re still looking for proven bats before Opening Day rolls around.

Trade Market Targets: Brendan Donovan and Ketel Marte

With free agency mostly picked over and budget limits in play, the Mariners have turned to the trade market for that missing infielder.

One main target has been St. Louis utility man Brendan Donovan. His on-base skills, defensive versatility, and lefty bat would fit in Seattle.

Serious Talks, Complicated Market

Seattle’s had real discussions with the Cardinals, but two things have slowed progress:

The Mariners also checked in on former fan favorite Ketel Marte in Arizona. On paper, Marte’s switch-hitting power and experience look like a home run. But the deal gets tricky because of:

Without touching their rotation, the Mariners have less leverage in these big trades.

Budget Realities Shape What Comes Next

Payroll sits around $157 million, with internal estimates putting the working budget at about $168 million. That gap gives them some wiggle room, but not enough to chase the last elite free agents without some financial gymnastics.

So Seattle’s front office is value hunting, not star shopping.

Potential Fits Still on the Board

The front office hasn’t ruled out circling back to familiar faces or more modest options. A reunion with Eugenio Suárez could work if the market cools, bringing back a power bat who already knows Seattle’s clubhouse and ballpark.

Beyond Suárez, the Mariners are expected to look at lower-cost infield and bench upgrades. These might not make headlines, but they could help stabilize the lineup and protect against growing pains from the younger core.

Spring Training Looms, Pressure Mounts

With the reporting date coming up fast, the Mariners know the roster isn’t quite there yet. The front office isn’t just sitting back; they’re making calls, checking prices, and hoping the market shifts their way.

Maybe there’s a late-winter trade. Maybe a free agent falls into their lap, or someone surprises everyone in camp. Seattle’s shot at moving from “one game away” to actually getting over the hump? It probably comes down to what they pull off—or miss—right before spring starts.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Why Mariners are still highly motivated to make more moves