The Seattle Mariners boasted the top starting pitching rotation in baseball last season, with a lineup that was consistently strong from the first starter to the fifth. Their starters regularly delivered quality outings, keeping the Mariners competitive in nearly every game.
However, Seattle’s offense struggled so much that even their excellent pitching couldn’t carry them to the playoffs. Their hitting woes left them watching as the Houston Astros clinched the AL West and advanced to the postseason.
Heading into the offseason, the Mariners now face the need for some high-cost additions to bolster their lineup. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden suggested they focus on upgrades at both corner infield positions, offering a few potential candidates. The downside? These improvements would come at a steep price.
“The Mariners had the best rotation in baseball and still missed the playoffs because of an offense that led the majors in strikeouts,” Bowden noted. “They’re aiming to make more contact and specifically looking at upgrades for the corner infield spots.” Free agents like Pete Alonso and Christian Walker at first base and Alex Bregman and Willy Adames at third base (Adames typically plays shortstop but is capable at third) could be options.
Projected contracts, per Spotrac, estimate Alonso’s next deal at six years, $174 million, with Walker possibly fetching three years and $66 million. Bregman’s projected at four years, $119 million, while Adames may secure six years at $152 million.
With two players—Luis Castillo and Julio Rodriguez—already signed for over $20 million each in 2025, the question remains: will Seattle add two more high-cost players to strengthen its roster this offseason?
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