Jorge Polanco gave the Mariners more than they bargained for in 2025 - in the best way possible. Signed with the expectation that he'd be a bat-first designated hitter, Polanco wound up being a key contributor both at the plate and, surprisingly, in the field. His 134 OPS+ and 2.6 rWAR marked a notable bounce-back from his first season in Seattle, and by the end of the year, he was logging meaningful innings at second base.
But that resurgence may have priced him out of Seattle’s plans for 2026. With free agency looming and the front office likely exploring other roster priorities, the Mariners could find themselves back in the market for a second baseman - again. Fortunately, there’s a familiar name that might be available, and he checks a lot of the same boxes Polanco did.
Brandon Lowe could be on the move - and the Mariners should be paying attention.
The Rays have never been shy about moving productive veterans when the price tag gets too high, and Lowe’s $11.5 million salary for 2026 might be just enough to put him on the trade block. Tampa Bay already picked up his club option in early November, but with free agency on the horizon in 2027 and the Rays continuing to operate with a tight budget, a trade feels more likely than not.
If Lowe is indeed available, Seattle could have a shot at landing one of the most consistent offensive second basemen in the game. Since breaking into the league in 2018, he’s posted a career 123 OPS+, and last season he continued to flex his power with a .256/.307/.477 slash line, 19 doubles, and 31 home runs - tied with Jazz Chisholm Jr. for the most among primary second basemen.
This is a guy who doesn’t just hit home runs - he launches them. His 458-foot moonshot in August was a reminder of the kind of raw power he brings to the table. When he connects, the ball doesn’t just leave the bat - it disappears.
That said, the power comes with some trade-offs.
Lowe’s swing decisions and plate discipline leave something to be desired. His 33.4% whiff rate ranked in the 4th percentile last season, and his 26.9% strikeout rate wasn’t much better, sitting in the 12th percentile.
He’s also a defensive liability. At second base, he posted -14 Defensive Runs Saved - better than only Luis García Jr. (-17) among regulars.
So, if the Mariners do make a move for Lowe, it’s unlikely he’d be a full-time glove at second. Instead, he’d probably slot into a similar role as Polanco - a power bat who spends most of his time at DH, with occasional reps in the field if needed.
Seattle does have some internal options to patch the position in the short term. Cole Young, despite an underwhelming rookie campaign at the plate (78 OPS+), still holds promise and should get more runway in his second season.
Leo Rivas, another infield option, showed flashes of clutch play during both the regular season and the postseason. There’s enough there to piece things together defensively while adding Lowe’s bat to the lineup.
And yes, if you’re dreaming big, a reunion with Ketel Marte would be the home run move. But that’s a long shot.
Lowe represents a far more attainable - and still impactful - addition. He’s essentially a more expensive version of what Polanco gave them this year: a lefty slugger with pop, experience, and just enough versatility to make it work.
Trading with the Rays always comes with a bit of caution. They don’t usually lose deals. But if Seattle is serious about upgrading its offense and finding a productive solution at second base, Brandon Lowe might just be the kind of calculated risk worth taking.