SEATTLE — Long after the Winter Meetings wrapped up in Orlando, the Seattle Mariners are still actively shaping their offseason roster — and team president Jerry Dipoto made it clear that the work isn’t over. Despite a relatively quiet week without big splash signings or blockbuster trades, the Mariners have already addressed key needs and remain poised to make additional moves as the offseason progresses.
Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander entered the Winter Meetings with a clear offseason blueprint: retain core contributors and solidify the bullpen. They checked off two major objectives before the meetings even began — signing first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million contract, and acquiring left-handed reliever José A. Ferrer from the Washington Nationals in exchange for catcher Harry Ford and pitching prospect Isaac Lyon.
Those moves filled what the Mariners believed were two of their biggest gaps heading into 2026. With Naylor in place, Seattle locked in a middle-of-the-order bat that blends power and on-base ability. Ferrer, meanwhile, adds a high-leverage lefty to a bullpen that was targeted for improvement after Seattle’s deep playoff run in 2025.
Dipoto repeatedly emphasized a theme that resonated throughout the meetings: patience. He joked that he was “jonesing” to make another move, but pointed out that the Mariners are in a better position than in past years because they have fewer glaring holes to fill. Dipoto stressed that Seattle is happy to let the market come to them, rather than overpay for less desirable options.
“We just have fewer needs than we’ve had in recent years,” Dipoto said, highlighting that the team’s priorities have shifted now that some of the roster’s biggest questions have been answered.
This approach reflects confidence in the group’s core — particularly after reaching the American League Championship Series — and an understanding that quality additions can still be made outside the Winter Meetings’ concentrated deal window. Still on the Wish List
Despite the calm in Orlando, Seattle isn’t done evaluating options. Dipoto outlined several areas where the club would like to add:
The Mariners are still engaged with free-agent infielder Jorge Polanco, though negotiations have shown a gap in price expectations. Polanco has been linked to longer, higher-value deals than Seattle is comfortable committing to, and other teams — like the Pittsburgh Pirates — are reportedly in the mix for his services. If Polanco signs elsewhere, the Mariners could pivot to other middle-infield options. Even with Ferrer added, Dipoto acknowledged the value of striking another high-leverage reliever. Whether through free agency or trade, Seattle will continue its search for another arm to bolster late-inning depth. The departure of Harry Ford in the Ferrer trade highlighted the need for additional catching resources behind Cal Raleigh. With both Mitch Garver and Ford now off the roster, the club is eyeing options to ensure depth and flexibility at the position.
If Polanco moves on, the Mariners have identified Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals as a potential fit — a switch-hitting infielder/outfielder with contact skills that could mesh well with Seattle’s offensive strength.
Seattle’s strategy isn’t only about desires but practical budget considerations. With only a limited amount of payroll flexibility — roughly $30 million–$35 million after current commitments — the Mariners must be judicious about how they allocate funds for free agents. That makes targeted, efficient moves more critical than broad spending sprees.
Dipoto’s philosophy — often boiled down to “spend where it moves the needle” — underscores why Seattle was aggressive early with Naylor and Ferrer but chose patience on other fronts.
While transactions were light, the Mariners received a notable honor during the meetings: Dipoto was recognized as Baseball America’s 2025 Executive of the Year, affirming league-wide respect for the front office’s work in recent seasons.
That accolade reinforces the view that Seattle’s methods — thoughtful roster building, savvy trades, and targeted free-agent signings — are producing results, even if they don’t always make the biggest headlines.
With the Winter Meetings behind them, the Mariners still have time to make meaningful additions before Spring Training. Dipoto’s message was simple but pointed: they’re not done yet. Whether it’s luring Polanco back, finding another bullpen piece, or adding depth at catcher or infield, Seattle remains an active participant in the offseason market.
For Mariners fans, that means a belief that this franchise — fresh off one of its most successful seasons ever — is continuing to build toward sustained contention in 2026 and beyond.
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