The Seattle Mariners are clearly still in win-now mode, and their offseason moves-or potential ones-are starting to reflect that. With Jorge Polanco now in a Mets uniform and Colt Emerson still developing in the pipeline, Seattle is eyeing another infielder to round out its roster for 2026. And according to a recent prediction, they could be targeting a young, controllable bat from the very team that just took Polanco off their hands.
The name being floated: Brett Baty.
After the Mets signed Bo Bichette this offseason, their infield suddenly got a little crowded. That opens the door for a team like Seattle to swoop in and grab a player like Baty, who’s coming off the best season of his young career.
In 2025, the 26-year-old posted a .254 batting average and a .748 OPS over 130 games, with 18 homers to his name. He’s not a superstar, but he’s a solid contributor with positional flexibility-he’s played both third and second base-and he’s under team control through 2029.
That’s the kind of player you can build around, especially if you’re trying to thread the needle between contending now and setting up for the future.
But make no mistake-this wouldn’t be a bargain-bin pickup.
To land Baty, the Mariners would reportedly have to send a pair of intriguing arms to New York: Jurrangelo Cijntje and Matt Brash. Let’s start with Cijntje.
He’s one of the more unique prospects in baseball-a legitimate switch-pitcher who can touch the mid-90s from both sides. That kind of versatility is rare, and while he’s still developing, the upside is tantalizing.
He was Seattle’s first-round pick in 2024, and moving on from a talent like that isn’t easy.
Then there’s Brash. The 27-year-old righty is coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where he posted a 2.47 ERA out of the bullpen.
He’s got electric stuff and has been a key piece in Seattle’s late-inning mix. Losing him would sting, no question.
But the Mariners have already made some moves to bolster their relief corps this winter, and there’s reason to believe they could continue to add depth if needed.
So why make this trade?
Because Baty fills a need-both immediate and long-term. With Polanco gone and Emerson still adjusting to the pro game, Baty could step in and provide stability at third base. He gives Seattle another left-handed bat with pop, and his presence would give the team flexibility to let Emerson ease into a role that suits him best, whether that’s at second, third, or even as a utility option early on.
And perhaps most importantly, Baty’s contract situation gives the Mariners some breathing room. Rather than shelling out for a veteran like Eugenio Suárez or committing big dollars in free agency, Seattle would be getting a controllable, cost-effective player who’s just entering his prime.
This kind of move isn’t about making a splash-it’s about making the roster better, smarter, and more sustainable. Giving up Cijntje and Brash would be a significant price, but if Baty continues to grow into a reliable everyday player, it could be a deal that pays off in both the short and long term.
The Mariners are clearly looking to keep their competitive window wide open. Acquiring Baty would be a bold step in that direction.