Upgrades to Get the Mariners Over the Line

It’s no secret to anyone who’s followed Mariners baseball that they’ve consistently lacked the final push for playoff runs. Since 2014, the Mariners have missed the playoffs by three games or less in 5/11 seasons. When they finally broke the drought in 2022, the Mariners had just enough offense to get them over the line. They also had elite pitching from their rotation and bullpen (ironically, that’s also what cost them).

Upgrades For The Mariners

In 2021, their offensive philosophy was key, but they lacked the needed firepower. Their rotation also wasn’t where it is now. In 2023, their offense was lackluster. In 2024, the Mariners had a strong deadline, adding key bats that improved their lineup; however, their pitching ultimately let them down. The Mariners were able to hold onto Randy Arozarena in 2025, but other key pieces like Justin Turner left.

New Season, Same Problems

The problem now is that the Mariners didn’t do enough to get past that point. Their offense is arguably as good as it was last year. Arozarena is finally playing like the superstar you wanted him to be, being selected for the All-Star team. Jorge Polanco has greatly improved and has been a welcome addition to the lineup, putting in solid shifts at DH, second base, and even third base. Donovan Solano, despite one of the worst Aprils a Mariner has had, is playing like the Turner-esque veteran bat you needed him to be. Miles Mastrobuoni has also proved to be a somewhat valuable piece, showing defensive versatility and a decent plate approach that has translated to his best season yet.

On top of that, you’ve gotten an improved Mitch Garver. While still not great, he’s looked much better than in 2024. The team lost Josh Rojas, who spent most of 2024 manning third base, and they replaced him with rookie Ben Williamson. Williamson, while lacking power, has looked like a serviceable Major League-level third baseman through his first 73 big league games, posting more WAR through those 73 games (1.4) than both Josh Rojas and Jorge Polanco combined in 2024 (0.1).

The dreaded second base black hole has been seemingly filled by prospect Cole Young. Young started his big league career off with a bang, recording his first MLB hit and walk off, and then fizzled out. Since then, he’s hit .282/.330/.388 in his last 30 games. Confidence is starting to come with routine playing time, with Young batting .304/.407/.609 in his last seven games. His power numbers are starting to translate as well. He hit his first home run in New York against the Yankees and followed that up with a bomb in Detroit right before the All-Star break.

Pivoting The Focus

With that in mind, the deadline might look a little different for Seattle than many thoughts it would initially. ‘The more the merrier’ is a mindset the Mariners definitely should have when acquiring major league-level hitting. However, you’re in a great position to see out the rest of the season with Young and Polanco seeing the majority of your second base reps.

Despite Williamson’s offensive production and incredible defense, it makes sense for Seattle to look at someone who can come in and frequently leave the yard. Former Mariner and fan favorite Eugenio Suarez has been heavily rumored for a return. Similarly, the opposite corner is also someone to look at, with no real first baseman nailing down a starting spot. Solano has put time in, but he can’t be your everyday guy and is more suited to the DH role. Luke Raley has also put in about half of his games at first base, but is more suited the outfield.

The one strength Seattle had coming into 2025 was their pitching, but it’s ultimately taken a step back. We all knew it would, but the way it has left Seattle needing more. Their rotation has had George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Bryce Miller all miss significant time. Yes, Logan Evans and Emerson Hancock have done a major-league level job of filling in for them. But they need someone who can come in and be reliable. The fill-ins aren’t going to get you where you want to go, which is ultimately the World Series. No Seattle fan needs reminding that they’ve never been close.

Andres Munoz, Matt Brash, and Gabe Speier have all taken a heavy portion of high-leverage innings, so bullpen help is always crucial and very much needed. Munoz, in particular, has been the real workhorse in the pen, already almost matching his save total in 2024.

The Mariners need help if they want to win. A corner infielder should be their top priority. Then, at least one bullpen arm, and as many other bats as they can get.