ORLANDO, Fla. — As Day 2 of the MLB Winter Meetings passed without blockbuster moves for the Seattle Mariners, the club remained focused on key offseason priorities while showing patience as the free-agent and trade markets take shape. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto reiterated that Seattle would rather wait for the right opportunities than rush into signings — even as fans and analysts watch contract negotiations, especially with Jorge Polanco, closely.
The biggest topic surrounding Seattle at the meetings has been the status of Polanco, a veteran switch-hitter who was a pivotal contributor during the Mariners’ deep postseason run. Seattle has made bringing him back a top priority, but negotiations hit a snag as Polanco reportedly preferred a four-year contract while the Mariners were initially offering two years.
Dipoto and his staff have maintained an open line with Polanco’s representatives, and sources say the infielder enjoyed his time in Seattle and would like to return. However, the Pittsburgh Pirates have also been linked to Polanco and may present a more lucrative offer, putting pressure on Seattle to decide whether to match or pivot if another team wins the bidding.
Dipoto remains calm publicly, emphasizing that the Mariners have fewer needs than in past offseasons and can afford to let the market develop before committing to a long-term deal.
Even with Polanco at the forefront, Seattle isn’t standing still. Dipoto confirmed that the Mariners are seeking additional bullpen help, even though they’ve already made a notable trade: acquiring left-handed reliever José A. Ferrer from the Washington Nationals in exchange for catcher Harry Ford and pitcher Isaac Lyon. While Ferrer bolsters one area of the bullpen, fans and front-office sources suggest more arms are still under consideration, possibly via free agency or trade.
Aside from pitching, another area of interest is offense. The Mariners are reportedly keeping tabs on Brendan Donovan, the versatile St. Louis Cardinals outfielder and infielder. Donovan’s ability to play second base, third base, and left field makes him an attractive target as Seattle looks to round out depth around its young core.
Dipoto indicated that he loves the club’s current composition — especially after re-signing Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million extension — but acknowledged that adding a proven bat would further solidify a lineup ready to compete again in 2026.
Pairing Polanco with a hitter like Donovan could give Seattle infield versatility and offensive punch, a combination the front office finds appealing. With Donovan’s market still uncertain and St. Louis reportedly open to moving him, the Mariners could prioritize him if Polanco signs elsewhere or if they want a complementary piece to share time with young prospect Cole Young at second base.
Another name floated in discussions was Ketel Marte, though sources indicate deals for him are unlikely this week due to high asking prices from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Teams like the Red Sox and Blue Jays may be more likely landing spots for Marte if he ultimately moves.
One unexpected outcome of recent roster moves — particularly the trade of Harry Ford — is a thin catching class within the Mariners’ system. With backup options like Ford and Mitch Garver no longer under Seattle control, the club might need to bring in multiple catchers this offseason to ensure depth at the position. Dipoto’s staff acknowledged that adding one or two catchers — one on a major-league deal and one with spring training invite — is likely part of their plan.
Overall, Seattle’s approach at the Winter Meetings appears to be one of strategic patience. Dipoto’s remarks made it clear that the club is willing to wait for the market to move rather than overpay or overspend early. With several needs already addressed, including Naylor’s re-signing and a bullpen upgrade via trade, the Mariners are balancing urgency with long-term roster flexibility.
As other teams begin making splashy free-agent signings — such as Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Díaz — Seattle’s philosophy seems rooted in assembling a championship-caliber roster while avoiding rash decisions. This measured strategy reflects the club’s improved positioning: fewer glaring holes and a belief that the right additions will present themselves before Spring Training.
With the Winter Meetings continuing, all eyes remain on how Polanco’s negotiations conclude and whether Seattle will pursue additional relief pitchers or offensive depth. The next 24–48 hours could bring movement across multiple fronts as the market begins to heat up.
Ultimately, Seattle’s message is clear: they’re players, but they won’t chase just anything. As Dipoto put it, they prefer to let the offseason come to them — confident that good fits will rise to the surface as 2026 approaches.
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