Seattle Mariners Bump Payroll For Corner Infield Bats Addition

The Mariners, sitting at 41-38 and holding the final AL Wild Card spot, are in a position to be buyers at the trade deadline. According to MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer, the team is eyeing a big bat for a corner infield role, though they may simply pursue the best hitter available regardless of position.

They’re also seeking a high-leverage bullpen arm. Importantly, ownership is reportedly willing to approve increased spending to support these moves.

This financial flexibility is significant. Reports during the offseason suggested Seattle had about $15 million to improve the roster. They’ve already used up most of that by spending $11.25 million on Jorge Polanco and Donovan Solano, and later adding Leody Taveras via waivers, which came with a $3.7 million salary commitment. Taveras has since been outrighted to Triple-A.

With their budget seemingly maxed out, the team’s ability to make meaningful additions had been in question. However, ownership’s willingness to open the wallet gives the front office room to maneuver.

The Mariners have weaknesses at both corner infield spots. Ben Williamson, getting most of the starts at third, has played solid defense but posted a weak .255/.291/.311 slash line (77 wRC+). At first base, Rowdy Tellez was DFA’d after struggling at the plate.

Donovan Solano has since taken over. While he started poorly (.131/.156/.148 through May 17), he’s surged to a .420/.463/.640 line since—though that’s fueled by an unsustainable .474 BABIP over just 54 plate appearances. Solano has been a consistent hitter in recent seasons, but at age 37 and with a rough start, Seattle may not want to fully rely on him—especially given his historical struggles against right-handers.

One potential target is Eugenio Suárez of the Diamondbacks, who played for Seattle in 2022–23. Though he struck out a lot during his Mariners tenure, he’s cut down on whiffs and is having a strong 2025, hitting .251/.323/.569 with 25 home runs and a 141 wRC+. While he’s less reliable defensively than Williamson, his offensive upside would be a major boost.

Suárez is making $15 million this year, and about $5 million would remain at the deadline. It’s unclear whether Arizona would eat some of that salary or even be willing to move him, as they’re also in the playoff hunt at 41-39.

Even if the D-backs stay in the race, they might consider trading Suárez to address their injury-depleted pitching staff, possibly promoting prospect Jordan Lawlar to third base. That would be a risky move, though, as Lawlar has yet to produce at the major league level.

Another Arizona player on Seattle’s radar is first baseman Josh Naylor, an impending free agent making $10.9 million this year. He’s slashing .307/.363/.479 with a 132 wRC+. The Mariners had interest in Naylor before Cleveland traded him to Arizona.

Other possible bats include Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and Orioles players Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and Félix Bautista. These are mostly speculative fits. Duran and Mullins are outfielders, but Seattle might just target the best available hitter and shuffle defensive assignments accordingly. For instance, Luke Raley could shift to first base if an outfielder is added.

O’Hearn, a pending free agent like Mullins, is having a strong season (.301/.384/.485, 149 wRC+) and earns $8 million. Mullins got off to a hot start but has cooled dramatically since April. He’s making $8.725 million.

Duran is under team control through 2028, but the Red Sox have a crowded outfield and could be open to moving him. Boston is currently 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot at 40-42.

In the bullpen, most contenders look to reinforce, and Bautista would be an elite addition—if the Orioles make him available. He missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery and has struggled with control in 2025 (15% walk rate), but still owns a 2.60 ERA and 33.6% strikeout rate. His walk rate has improved in June (9.4%).

Other potential names include Isiah Kiner-Falefa of the Pirates (.273/.319/.346, 85 wRC+, glove-first utility man) and Jesús Sánchez of the Marlins (.240/.309/.425, 99 wRC+, $4.5 million salary, under control for two more years).

With a deep farm system and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto known for aggressive trades, the Mariners could be among the most active teams at the deadline. They had hoped to trade prospects for major leaguers over the winter but found few willing partners. That could change as more teams fall out of the playoff picture in the coming weeks.