OP-ED: If I Ran the Mariners…
With Jorge Polanco signings now off the table for Seattle and heading to the Mets, I’m revisiting my ideal offseason plan for the Mariners. Here’s how I’d approach running the team this offseason.
First, a quick snapshot of the current roster:
CF: Julio Rodríguez
LF: Randy Arozarena
RF: Victor Robles
1B: Josh Naylor
2B: Cole Young
3B: Ben Williamson
SS: JP Crawford
C: Cal Raleigh
DH: Dominic Canzone
Bench: Leo Rivas, Luke Raley
SP: Bryan Woo
SP: Luis Castillo
SP: Logan Gilbert
SP: Bryce Miller
SP: George Kirby
SP: Emerson Hancock
The core trio of Rodríguez, Raleigh, and Crawford isn’t going anywhere. Naylor, having just signed a five-year extension that keeps him in Seattle through 2030, is also part of the long-term plan. Everyone else should be on the trade block, in my view.
Here’s my approach:
Infield strategy:
The Mariners need either a true second baseman or a solid third baseman. Entering a season with Young and Williamson as full-time starters doesn’t make much sense, and the organization has indicated a desire to add an infield piece this winter, so that’s my focus.
3B target: Jordan Westburg, Orioles (TRADE)
Many eyes are on Brendan Donovan, but consider Jordan Westburg. He’s younger, cheaper, and carries higher future upside after posting an All-Star level 2.4 bWAR over 107 games in 2024. Seattle would likely need to part with a rotation arm to land him; trading Luis Castillo to Baltimore could balance the books for the Mariners and bring Westburg into the lineup, addressing both cost and production needs.
Outfield strategy:
Seattle should at least pursue a corner outfielder upgrade, with right field as the clear target. But there’s a bold option to consider if the budget and market align.
RF target: Kyle Tucker
If Seattle can redeploy the savings from any rotation trade and make a marquee addition, Kyle Tucker would immediately elevate the lineup. A veteran of World Series success with Houston, he would pair with Raleigh and Rodríguez to form a formidable trio at the heart of the order and give the club a potent, championship-ready core.
DH considerations:
For a true World Series push, the Mariners could benefit from veteran stability at DH. Canzone and Raley alone may not provide the top-tier production a title run demands.
DH target: Carlos Santana
Santana remains a productive, affordable veteran option (1.1 bWAR in 2025). He also has a positive rapport with Rodríguez, which can help in the clubhouse and on the field.
Proposed new roster:
CF: Julio Rodríguez
RF: Kyle Tucker
LF: Randy Arozarena
1B: Josh Naylor
2B: Cole Young
SS: JP Crawford
3B: Jordan Westburg
C: Cal Raleigh
DH: Carlos Santana
Bench: Victor Robles, Dominic Canzone, Leo Rivas, Luke Raley
SP: Bryan Woo
SP: Logan Gilbert
SP: George Kirby
SP: Bryce Miller
SP: Emerson Hancock
SP: Logan Evans
Even without Castillo in the rotation, this lineup and roster construction would be notably stronger than the current squad, thanks to upgraded middle-infield firepower, a top-tier outfield pillar, and a veteran bat anchored at DH.
About the Contributor
Simon Rogers is a graphic illustrator for the Daily Evergreen. He is a senior Digital Technology & Culture major from Pullman, Washington. Simon began contributing to the Daily Evergreen in Spring 2022.
Would you prefer the plan to emphasize more bullpen depth, or should the focus stay on offensive firepower and infield versatility? Share your thoughts in the comments.
