With pitchers and catchers set to report on February 12, the Seattle Mariners appear to have wrapped up their offseason business. All signs point to the roster being largely set as the club turns its attention toward spring training and the grind ahead.
The 2025 squad was widely viewed as the franchise’s strongest in years, and based on the moves made over the past few months, Seattle looks poised to take another step forward in 2026. While optimism hasn’t always been rewarded for Mariners fans, this offseason feels different one that suggests the organization may finally be ready to push through lingering postseason frustrations.
Mariners’ Offseason Grade: A
Seattle addressed two of its most pressing needs in decisive fashion. Josh Naylor was brought back quickly, while the pursuit of Brendan Donovan became a drawn out saga that dominated rumors for months. That patience paid off when the Mariners ultimately struck a deal with St. Louis, solidifying the infield and giving the roster much needed versatility.
There is, however, still a question mark in the everyday lineup. Donovan is currently penciled in at third base with Cole Young slotted at second. While Donovan has experience at the hot corner and Young remains a highly regarded talent, the young infielder will need to show meaningful offensive growth in his second season to justify the confidence being placed in him.
Beyond the everyday lineup, Seattle also bolstered its depth with targeted additions. Reliever José A. Ferrer gives manager Dan Wilson another left-handed option in high-leverage situations, while Rob Refsnyder profiles as a potentially shrewd value signing. His platoon success could make his modest $6.25 million deal one of the offseason’s quiet wins.
Naturally, those upgrades came at a cost. The Mariners parted with several young players to make the deals happen, headlined by Harry Ford, who was sent to Washington in exchange for Ferrer. Additional prospects, including Jurrangelo Cijntje, Tai Peete, and Ben Williamson, were also moved in separate transactions.
Even so, Seattle managed to retain the core of its farm system. Highly regarded names such as Lazaro Montes, Kade Anderson, Ryan Sloan, and top prospect Colt Emerson remain in the organization, preserving both depth and flexibility for potential midseason trades. The system is still strong enough to provide reinforcements later in the year if needed.
Perhaps most impressive is that all of this was accomplished without a major spike in payroll. After the Donovan addition, Seattle’s projected 40-man payroll sits around $162.1 million—actually lower than last season’s figure—thanks to team-friendly contracts and several large deals rolling off the books.
Ultimately, success won’t be measured on paper. The Mariners will need to validate these moves over the course of a 162-game season. Still, the assertive approach from the front office sends a clear message: Seattle is ready to act like a legitimate contender, and with its young core entering its prime, optimism around the franchise feels more justified than it has in years.