Mariners Set the Tone Early With Naylor Deal, Eye More Moves Ahead of Winter Meetings
The Mariners wasted no time getting their offseason started-and they did it with a statement. Locking up Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million deal wasn’t just a big swing; it was the first major move across Major League Baseball this winter. And by getting it done in mid-November, Seattle gave itself a head start on what’s shaping up to be a busy Hot Stove season.
Now, with the Winter Meetings set to kick off in Orlando, the Mariners are positioned to make more noise. And for president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, the early work has already paid off in one key way: clarity.
“The fact that we got it done in mid-November allows us to go have an offseason that doesn't feel like you're drinking from a fire hose,” Dipoto said. “Now, we can be selective in the things we want to do.”
Translation: Naylor was the priority. With that box checked, Seattle can now focus on filling the remaining gaps-strategically, not frantically.
What’s Still on the Shopping List?
The Mariners still have work to do. At least one more bat is on the radar, possibly two, and the bullpen needs reinforcements-especially from the left side.
Gabe Speier is the lone lefty currently penciled into the mix, and while he’s been solid, the Mariners would love to pair him with another southpaw to balance the pen. They’re also eyeing a higher-leverage reliever to support the late-inning trio of Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, and Eduard Bazardo.
The need became even more apparent after the club non-tendered three relievers: Gregory Santos, Tayler Saucedo, and Trent Thornton. Of that group, only Thornton played a significant role in 2025 before an Achilles injury ended his season.
Seattle has a track record of turning unheralded arms into key contributors-Paul Sewald, Justin Topa, and Speier all fit that mold-but it’s been a few years since that magic struck. This time around, a more proven option might be the safer play.
On the offensive side, the Mariners could look to reunite with familiar faces. Veterans Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez are both free agents and remain unsigned.
Either could provide a stabilizing presence, but Seattle also has a crop of young infielders in the pipeline-Ryan Bliss, Leo Rivas, Cole Young, and Ben Williamson-who could push for playing time in 2026. The question is whether any of them are ready to make a real impact right away.
Trade Winds: Calm for Now, But Never Count Out Dipoto
Unlike in past offseasons, there’s no clear-cut trade candidate on the roster. Seattle appears committed to keeping its core intact after winning the AL West in 2025, and that includes hanging on to its starting rotation.
Despite heavy interest last year in Luis Castillo and Bryce Miller, the Mariners held firm-and for good reason. Injuries to Miller, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Bryan Woo throughout the season reminded everyone just how valuable starting pitching depth can be. That’s not a resource Dipoto is eager to tap into.
Still, the Mariners do have one of the deepest farm systems in the game-ranked No. 3 by MLB Pipeline-and they’ve shown a willingness to deal from that pool when the right opportunity presents itself. The challenge, of course, is that most teams are looking to add major league talent at this stage, not subtract it. That makes finding the right match more difficult.
But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Dipoto and GM Justin Hollander, it’s that they’re not afraid to get creative. Even if nothing seems imminent on paper, don’t be surprised if the Mariners pull off something unexpected.
Prospect Spotlight: Colt Emerson
If you’re looking for the next big thing in Seattle, keep your eyes on Colt Emerson. The 20-year-old infielder has rocketed through three levels of the minors and enters 2026 as the Mariners’ top prospect-and the No. 9 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline.
Seattle isn’t putting any limits on Emerson heading into Spring Training. That’s notable, especially considering how the organization handled Julio Rodríguez back in 2022. Julio earned his way onto the Opening Day roster, and we all know how that turned out.
Emerson brings a complete package: smooth defense that should stick at shortstop, elite bat-to-ball skills, sneaky power for a middle infielder, and leadership well beyond his years. The Mariners believe he’ll be a difference-maker-it’s just a matter of when.
Rule 5 Draft Outlook
Seattle’s 40-man roster is currently full, which could limit their activity in the Rule 5 Draft. Historically, the Mariners have been one of the more active teams during this phase of the offseason, but unless they make room, they may have to sit this one out. On the flip side, they didn’t leave any high-profile players unprotected, so there’s little risk of losing a key piece.
What’s Next?
With the Winter Meetings just days away, the Mariners are in a strong position. They’ve already addressed their biggest priority by bringing Naylor back into the fold, and now they can approach the rest of the offseason with purpose. Whether it’s adding bullpen depth, finding another impact bat, or exploring creative trade options, Seattle has flexibility-and momentum.
If the front office can land the right complementary pieces, the Mariners could be setting themselves up for a deeper run in 2026. The core is intact, the farm is loaded, and the window to contend is wide open. Now it’s just about making the right moves to take that next step.