With the regular season over and free agency in full swing, the Mariners’ top priority remains bolstering their relief corps. While right‑handed arms like Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash, and Eduard Bazardo provide a strong core, the club still lacks a reliable second left-handed reliever behind Gabe Speier.
Reports show the Mariners are actively evaluating both free agents and trade candidates — including a side‑arm lefty specialist to offer matchup flexibility, especially against lefty-heavy lineups.
Adding a dependable southpaw reliever — plus potentially another high-leverage arm — could ease pressure on the bullpen, improve late‑game options, and make their postseason pitching more durable.
While adding Naylor back at first base stabilized a key spot, the Mariners lineup still lacks consistency from the bottom half. Internal options like Ben Williamson, Colt Emerson, Ryan Bliss, or Leo Rivas offer depth — but none guarantee impact at the plate.
Hence, the club is reportedly eyeing veteran bats such as Jorge Polanco, whose switch‑hitting and clubhouse chemistry fit well with Seattle’s needs, or possibly multi‑position players like Brendan Donovan — offering both offensive upside and defensive versatility.
The aim is clear: add one (or ideally two) proven bats to provide run production, lengthen the lineup, and lessen reliance on young, unproven talent.
The Mariners appear to be embracing a youth movement on the infield: prospect-ranked Colt Emerson is in line for playing time, and internal options like Williamson or Cole Young may win jobs at third or second base.
But to avoid risking season-long performance on inexperienced arms, Seattle may look for external veterans — especially if they sign a versatile infielder like Polanco, or if they pursue Donovan.
Meanwhile, catching depth remains a concern: with top catcher Cal Raleigh entrenched as the starter, the Mariners still need a credible backup. The team reportedly is open to bringing back a veteran like Mitch Garver, or acquiring a reserve catcher via trade or free agency. This strategic depth could protect the Mariners from injuries, provide flexibility, and allow rookies to develop without pressure.
Rather than swinging for high‑cost superstars, the Mariners’ leadership seems focused on building a well-rounded, balanced roster. With Naylor’s contract done, they still have limited payroll flexibility — which suggests a preference for mid-tier free agents, undervalued veterans, or smaller trades rather than splashy signings.
This approach acknowledges that the rotation remains among MLB’s strongest when healthy. Instead of trading away pitching assets, Seattle is using its strong farm system judiciously, improving pitching depth only if necessary, and focusing resources on bullpen and lineup support.
Such a balanced blueprint may not draw headlines — but it could build a sustainable contender, capable of both regular‑season consistency and deeper postseason runs.
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