SEATTLE — As the 2025–26 MLB offseason unfolds, a cloud of uncertainty has settled over Seattle Mariners fans centered around one name: Jorge Polanco. The veteran infielder, a pivotal figure during Seattle’s breakthrough season, remains unsigned as free agency approaches — and that delay has left supporters questioning whether the team will be able to retain one of last year’s most impactful players.
Fan Frustration Mounts as Offseason Drags On
Polanco, who became a fan favorite for his clutch postseason performances — including a walk-off hit that helped send Seattle to the American League Championship Series — is seen by many as a cornerstone of the Mariners’ rise. But despite mutual interest between player and club, negotiations have yet to produce a deal, prompting worry among the fanbase that Seattle could lose him to another team.
Video commentary widely shared on Yahoo Sports highlights the concern from Mariners fans and analysts alike, pointing out that while both sides reportedly want a reunion, there’s no agreement in place yet — and the uncertainty is fueling offseason angst.
Polanco’s uncertainty hits at a delicate moment for Seattle. The Mariners enjoyed their most successful season in decades in 2025, nearly reaching the World Series. His timely offense and veteran presence provided stability in the lineup alongside stars like Julio Rodríguez and Josh Naylor, making his potential departure feel like a major blow to Seattle’s momentum.
Fans are particularly anxious because the Mariners’ payroll isn’t expected to see major spikes this offseason. With roughly $30–$35 million to spend after exercising club options on key players, the front office must balance re-signing Polanco with other roster priorities, including retaining Josh Naylor and filling holes elsewhere on the infield.
Insider Updates Suggest Seattle Still in Strong Position
Despite the anxiety, recent updates from MLB insiders provide some reassurance. Reports suggest that the Mariners still have a clear path to retaining Polanco and that his preferences — valuing comfort and winning — could favor Seattle over other potential suitors.
According to industry sources, Polanco may not be motivated to chase the highest bidder if it means joining a non-contending team. That mindset aligns with Seattle’s competitive outlook after making deep playoff noise in 2025 — a factor that could give the Mariners an edge in negotiations.
Even so, the fact that no official agreement has been reached yet gives fans reason to worry: free agency has now begun in earnest, and Polanco’s name remains at the center of conversation.
The Broader Context of the Mariners’ Offseason
Polanco’s situation isn’t happening in a vacuum. Seattle’s offseason has been a mix of small moves and big questions. The club exercised Andrés Muñoz’s option for 2026, guaranteeing their closer’s return, while declining the mutual option on catcher Mitch Garver, who will hit free agency.
Meanwhile, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has signaled that re-signing Josh Naylor remains a top priority — meaning Polanco’s negotiations could compete with other financial commitments as the front office shapes the roster.
Fans are watching closely, seeing Polanco as part of the core that helped reshuffle expectations around this franchise. Supporters recall his pivotal role during the postseason and fear his departure could stall the team’s progress.
What Polanco Means to Mariners Fans
There’s no question Polanco earned respect in Seattle. In addition to his postseason clutch hits, multiple Mariners fans online have pointed to his regular-season heroics — including a career-best stretch and timely power — as reasons he deserves a long-term spot on the roster.
For many in the Pacific Northwest, Polanco isn’t just another free agent — he’s a symbol of the club’s unexpected rise, and his presence in the lineup feels directly tied to their competitive identity. That emotional connection only amplifies the anxiety around his unsigned status.
As the offseason progresses, Mariners fans will be watching every update on Polanco’s negotiations. With Spring Training still months away, Seattle has time to get a deal done — but the current silence is fueling worries and forcing supporters to wonder: Will the man who helped rewrite Mariners history be back in Seattle for 2026?
Until then, the Doug Meints and Mariners’ front office must balance fiscal responsibility with keeping a lineup that came within games of a World Series intact, all while navigating the emotional stakes of a fanbase that has never felt this close to sustained contention.
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