In 2025, Seattle’s bullpen showed flashes — anchored by stars like Andrés Muñoz and emerging arms such as Matt Brash and Eduard Bazardo — but overall depth remained fragile. The group posted a 3.72 ERA, which placed them ninth in MLB overall. However, inconsistency, overuse, and injuries exposed the limits of a bullpen stretched too thin.
At times, relievers were taxed heavily, tasked with bridging long innings and absorbing pressure night after night. That workload, combined with a lack of dependable depth beyond the top arms, left Seattle vulnerable late in games — especially in one-run contests, a pattern recurring over multiple seasons.
Given that history, many expected the offseason to bring aggressive bullpen upgrades. Instead, fans were met with what insiders described as a “wishlist” of largely average or middling relievers — far from the high-leverage difference-makers needed.
Recent reports claim the Mariners are shopping for two relief pitchers ahead of the Winter Meetings — with a strong eye toward boosting bullpen depth. But according to those same sources, the club isn’t expected to pursue top-tier closers or dominant late-inning relievers such as those already coveted by other teams.
Names floated as potential targets reportedly include mid-tier free agents or bullpen arms with modest track records — a strategy that many fans see as insufficient given Seattle’s postseason ambitions.
As one fan forum put it, the list reads “less like stars, more like random utility players.” The concern: without at least one or two premium arms, the bullpen may continue to be a liability rather than an asset.
From the front office’s viewpoint, the calculations are understandable. Payroll flexibility is limited after recent signings — most notably the long-term deal for Josh Naylor — and the club prioritizes financial prudence even while pursuing contention.
Additionally, the market for elite relief pitchers is competitive and expensive. With top-tier closers commanding steep contracts, Seattle appears content to aim for “depth and stability” rather than headline-grabbing signings.
Yet for a club shooting for October once again, settling for middling bullpen upgrades could backfire. Depth and versatility matter — but so does elite performance in high-pressure moments.
With the Winter Meetings approaching fast, the Mariners face a crucial offseason inflection point. If they follow through on a modest bullpen upgrade, they risk entering 2026 with the same vulnerabilities that plagued them last year. In a league where many games hinge on a single reliever, complacency can be costly.
On the other hand, a bold acquisition — even a modest luxury bid for a proven high-leverage arm — could transform anticipation into real depth. Seattle could finally convert its rotation strength into wins consistently, and support its offensive firepower with a bullpen built for October.
Failing to do so may not be disastrous — but it could mean another season defined by what-ifs instead of banners.
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