The Seattle Mariners made a push to strengthen their postseason chances this fall by making two notable moves before the trade deadline. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto added outfielder Taylor Ward and high-leverage reliever Seranthony Domínguez, targeting two areas the team desperately needed to improve. However, despite those additions, many Seattle fans believed the organization should have made an even bigger splash.
During an episode of his Foul Territory podcast, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal addressed questions surrounding the Mariners’ deadline strategy. One fan asked why Seattle did not move another starting pitcher in exchange for additional offensive help. Rosenthal explained that the Mariners were willing to listen on two members of their rotation but never received an offer that matched their asking price.
“It’s not like they didn’t listen on George Kirby and Emerson Hancock; they did,” Rosenthal said. “But they set the bar high, and it’s always dangerous to trade starting pitching because you may compromise your depth. Ultimately, they didn’t get the package they wanted.”
Both Kirby and Hancock have played important roles in Seattle’s rotation this season. Kirby, 28, entered the year with a 3.68 ERA and has been especially impressive recently, allowing two runs or fewer in six of his last seven starts. Hancock has also emerged as a reliable option, posting a 3.35 ERA with a 1.11 WHIP during the 2026 campaign.
Mariners Could Revisit George Kirby and Emerson Hancock Trade Discussions This Winter
Although Seattle decided to keep both pitchers through the deadline, Rosenthal believes trade talks could return during the offseason. The Mariners’ offensive concerns may force the front office to explore major changes, especially with key players like Randy Arozarena and J.P. Crawford expected to hit free agency.
Rosenthal suggested that Seattle could once again listen to offers for Kirby and Hancock as it searches for ways to rebuild its lineup.
“Come the offseason, they might be active again in listening [to offers] on Kirby and Hancock, simply because they’re going to need to fill those holes,” Rosenthal said. “Maybe they don’t wanna do it through free agency.”
The Mariners’ need for offensive upgrades was evident throughout the season. In a recent report for The Athletic, Rosenthal revealed that Seattle had interest in acquiring Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto. The club appeared willing to shift top prospect Colt Emerson to third base if Neto became the long-term answer at shortstop following Crawford’s potential departure. However, the deal never came together.
Seattle Has Young Pitching Depth Waiting
The Mariners’ reluctance to trade Kirby or Hancock was understandable. Both pitchers are valuable, productive, and under team control for several more seasons, making them extremely attractive assets.
Kirby is not scheduled to reach unrestricted free agency until 2029, while Hancock remains under club control through arbitration until 2031. That level of control gives Seattle significant leverage in any potential trade discussions.
At the same time, the Mariners have confidence in their pitching pipeline. The organization’s top two minor league prospects are both starting pitchers, giving Dipoto and the front office additional flexibility if they eventually decide to move a veteran arm.
For now, Seattle’s focus remains on making a playoff push with Kirby and Hancock leading the rotation. The Mariners currently sit four games behind in the American League West race and 3.5 games out of a wild-card position. However, their postseason outlook remains uncertain, with FanGraphs projecting their playoff chances at just 31%.
If Seattle falls short in 2026, the offseason could become a pivotal moment — one where the Mariners decide whether to continue building around their young pitching core or finally cash in one of their prized starters for the offensive firepower they have been searching for.