The Seattle Mariners are riding the momentum of one of the best seasons in franchise history. They’re wasting no time shaping the roster for another postseason push in 2026.
With the sting of narrowly missing a World Series still fresh, the front office is making calculated moves. They’re blending proven talent, young prospects, and smart financial planning.
Re-Signing Josh Naylor: Locking Down Power at First Base
The Mariners’ top priority is keeping Josh Naylor, whose bat and presence in the clubhouse stood out in 2025. Seattle is working on a five-year, $95 million deal, and both sides seem pretty motivated to get it done.
Naylor’s steady bat and knack for big moments give the team the kind of postseason-tested power you just can’t fake. That’s exactly what October baseball demands.
The Impact of Naylor’s Return
With Naylor back, Seattle stabilizes the middle of its order. He anchors the offense and offers protection for stars Randy Arozarena and Julio RodrÃguez.
That lets the team mix up the lineup without losing any real punch.
Trading for Steven Kwan: Solving the Leadoff Puzzle
Seattle’s lineup has missed a reliable leadoff hitter for a while now. To fix that, the Mariners plan to trade pitching prospect Logan Evans and shortstop Tai Peete for Steven Kwan from Cleveland.
Kwan is known for his elite contact skills and patience at the plate. He could completely change the team’s offensive rhythm.
Kwan’s Role in the Lineup
As the new leadoff guy, Kwan’s on-base ability would let Arozarena and RodrÃguez move into the heart of the order. That creates a stronger scoring setup.
He’s also a strong defender in the outfield, which fits right in with Seattle’s defensive mindset.
Bolstering the Bullpen: Taylor Rogers Joins the Mix
Seattle’s bullpen did well in 2025, but left-handed hitters gave them trouble. The team wants to sign lefty Taylor Rogers to a two-year, $15 million deal.
Rogers brings veteran experience and postseason poise. He offers a specialized weapon for those tough matchups that have been a thorn in the Mariners’ side.
Importance of a Left-Handed Specialist
Adding Rogers isn’t just about filling a spot. It’s a move aimed straight at a specific weakness.
This could really matter in close playoff games where every matchup counts.
Veteran Trade Considerations: Luis Castillo’s Future
The Mariners are open to trade offers for veteran ace Luis Castillo. While he’s a big part of the rotation, moving him could bring back a much-needed bat.
The front office won’t pull the trigger unless the deal fits their championship vision. They want to make sure the rotation stays strong, no matter what.
Leaning on Top Prospects
Seattle’s long-term plan means trusting homegrown talent. Top prospects like Colt Emerson, Harry Ford, and Cole Young are in line for bigger roles in 2026.
If these guys step up fast, the Mariners get cheap, high-upside production. That opens up more options in free agency down the road.
Locking Down the Rotation’s Young Core
The Mariners know how important their young rotation is. Arms like Bryan Woo, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Bryce Miller have shown real ace potential.
Seattle plans to work on long-term extensions to keep this group together. That’s how you build something lasting.
Sustaining the Championship Window
Seattle’s building a roster with a mix of reliable veterans and up-and-coming stars. They want to keep the team in the playoff hunt every season, but they’re not sacrificing flexibility to do it.
- Re-signing key power bats to keep the offense steady
- Adding contact-hitting and speed for a more balanced lineup
- Improving bullpen versatility to handle late-game situations
- Leveraging prospects to manage payroll and create continuity
- Solidifying rotation depth with long-term extensions
The Mariners’ 2026 offseason plan shows a franchise that trusts its core but refuses to get complacent. Seattle’s blending big moves, careful trades, and a real focus on developing players.
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Here is the source article for this story: Seattle Mariners 2026 Early Offseason Plan
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