The Seattle Mariners were among baseball’s top teams this year, but their franchise could face major setbacks depending on how this offseason unfolds.
When the offseason began, the Mariners had three important players headed for free agency. They recently locked down infielder Josh Naylor with a massive deal that will keep him in Seattle for the next few years. However, Eugenio Suárez and Jorge Polanco remain unsigned, and the Mariners must make re-signing one—or ideally both—of these stars a top priority.
Naylor was clearly the team’s top priority. After him, either of the other two could be the next to sign, but the Mariners can’t afford to lose both of them.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently predicted the Mariners would sign Polanco to a new contract after re-signing Naylor, which would be a huge step in the right direction for the defending American League West champions.
“The Mariners have already re-signed one of their top free agents, bringing back Josh Naylor on a five-year, $92.5 million deal, and they are reportedly still interested in bringing back Jorge Polanco as well following a bounce-back season,” Reuter wrote. “That would leave third base as the one glaring hole in the lineup, and while they could give glove-first Ben Williamson another shot at the job, backing him up with a utility option such as Willi Castro or Luis Rengifo would be a good way to hedge their bets.”
Polanco delivered strong performances for Seattle throughout the year, but he truly emerged as a standout during the postseason. His defensive flexibility and reliable offense make him a valuable asset. While the Mariners may not have the budget to give Suárez a large deal, retaining Polanco is likely within their financial reach.
Re-signing him might not be the blockbuster move fans are hoping for, but it would undeniably improve the roster as it stands. Regardless, the Mariners will need to make several additional upgrades if they hope to contend for a World Series title next season.
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