Seattle Mariners GM Hollander Seeks Roster Balance in Two Ways

With spring training just weeks away, the Seattle Mariners look close to finalizing their roster blueprint for the upcoming season.

General manager Justin Hollander recently shared some insight into the club’s offseason work, the addition of veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder, and the tricky balance between contending now and developing young talent.

The plan shows a franchise intent on staying competitive, but they’re not losing sight of building for the future.

Refsnyder Addition Brings Balance and Flexibility

The Mariners’ biggest offseason move came with veteran outfielder Rob Refsnyder.

He’s not known for everyday at-bats, but his elite situational performance stands out. Hollander made it pretty clear that Refsnyder was targeted for one main reason: balance.

Over the past three seasons, Refsnyder has put up a .909 OPS and a 152 wRC+ against left-handed pitching. That puts him among the league’s most effective platoon bats.

For a Seattle lineup that’s leaned left-handed in recent years, that kind of skill set is huge.

A Platoon Weapon with Proven Results

Refsnyder’s role won’t stay the same all year.

He fits into a bigger rotation, letting the Mariners maximize matchups each night. His presence also helps protect the roster from injuries or slumps—something that, frankly, happens every season.

Right Field and DH: A Matchup-Based Rotation

Seattle’s plan for right field and designated hitter feels intentionally fluid.

Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena are the mainstays, but the other spots will shift based on the opposing pitcher.

The Mariners want a rotation that includes Refsnyder, Luke Raley, Dominic Canzone, and Victor Robles.

The goal? Find the best lineup each night, not force players into set roles.

Platoon Breakdown and Depth

Against right-handed pitching, Raley and Canzone should get more chances.

Against lefties, Robles and Refsnyder take over. Hollander pointed to last season’s oblique injury to Raley as proof that depth isn’t just nice to have—it’s essential.

• Raley and Canzone vs. right-handed pitchers
• Robles and Refsnyder vs. left-handed pitchers
• Flexibility if injuries or performance dictate changes

An Unsettled Infield Picture

The outfield is starting to make sense, but the infield’s still a bit of a puzzle.

Hollander admitted that second and third base aren’t set, with several young players lined up for early-season chances.

Cole Young, Leo Rivas, and Ben Williamson are expected to cover those spots at first.

Colt Emerson, Miles Mastrobuoni, and top prospect Michael Arroyo could factor in, too.

Veteran Help Still on the Radar

The front office would prefer adding a proven veteran at second or third, but Hollander said they won’t force it.

If the right option doesn’t come along, the Mariners seem ready to let their young players get real big-league at-bats.

Balancing Development and Contention

Maybe the most interesting part of Hollander’s comments? Philosophy.

Integrating several young position players onto a team with playoff hopes isn’t simple. Doing it without stunting development takes some patience and a lot of conviction.

A Roster Built on Balance

Hollander described the organization’s approach as a mix of high-floor veterans and high-upside youth. The Mariners think this strategy gives them a real shot to win now, while still looking ahead.

Development sits at the heart of Seattle’s vision, even with those immediate goals staring them down. They’re letting prospects stretch their legs and grow, while also putting steady veterans around them.

The Mariners are betting on that balance to carry them through the next few seasons. Honestly, it’s a gamble, but isn’t that what baseball’s all about?

 
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