The Seattle Mariners are widely expected to be one of the more active teams this offseason. They have already made an early splash by giving Josh Naylor a long-term extension, marking their first major move of the winter.
That deal is only the beginning. According to Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, Seattle’s next phase of offseason planning is already taking shape. After devoting significant money to Naylor, the club’s front office is shifting its attention from the lineup to the bullpen. Strengthening the relief corps has become the next major priority.
“In re-signing Josh Naylor to one of the largest free-agent contracts in club history, the Mariners fulfilled their No. 1 priority early in the offseason,” Jude reports. “Next on their wish list: two proven relief pitchers to fortify the bullpen.”
Seattle clearly intends to upgrade its relief pitching, and there is no shortage of intriguing options available through free agency or trade. With Andres Munoz under contract at seven million dollars for the 2026 season, the Mariners do not need to pursue a high-profile closer. Instead, they can focus on adding dependable arms to balance and strengthen their bullpen.
There is a particular emphasis on bringing in both a right-hander and a left-hander, with the greater need coming from the left side. “The Mariners are prioritizing the addition of another left-handed reliever to complement Gabe Speier,” Jude explains. Speier logged a career high seventy six appearances during the regular season and another seven during the postseason, underscoring the need for added support.
Seattle does not require a top tier name like Edwin Diaz or Robert Suarez. More realistic free agent options such as Holby Milner, or a potential trade for Philadelphia’s Matt Strahm, would still provide meaningful improvement.
Jude’s reporting makes it clear that the Mariners’ next objective this offseason is to secure multiple relievers, ideally including a left-handed arm to stabilize and deepen the bullpen.