Seattle Mariners bullpen trade rumors. As the calendar flips toward a new year and the baseball offseason begins to narrow, the sense around the Seattle Mariners is that the work is not finished. With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to spring training before long, the organization still looks like a team in progress rather than a roster locked in and ready for Opening Day.
This winter was supposed to be different in Seattle. Expectations were unusually high after a season in which the Mariners came within a single win of reaching the World Series for the first time in franchise history. The front office openly acknowledged that this was an opportunity to push forward, not simply maintain the status quo. Early signs suggested they were prepared to do exactly that.
Momentum built quickly in mid-November when Seattle made its biggest splash of the offseason by signing Josh Naylor to a five-year, $92.5 million contract. The deal sent a clear message: ownership and the front office were willing to invest meaningfully in improving the offense. Naylor’s arrival checked off one of the Mariners’ major objectives almost immediately, and it felt like the first domino in what many assumed would be a busy winter.
At that point, optimism soared. Fans and analysts alike believed the Seattle Mariners bullpen trade rumors poised to capitalize on their near-miss from last October by adding multiple impact pieces. The early move suggested urgency, ambition, and a willingness to strike before the market dried up. Yet, as the weeks went by, that initial surge of excitement slowed.
MORE: Red Sox Roster Move Today Acquire Cardinals All-Star Infielder Brendan Donovan
To be clear, Seattle has not been idle. The front office has continued to make roster adjustments, addressing specific needs while adding depth and flexibility. None of the subsequent transactions carried the headline-grabbing weight of the Naylor signing, but each served a purpose.
On December 6, the Mariners traded catcher Harry Ford and right-handed pitcher Isaac Lyon to the Washington Nationals in exchange for left-handed reliever Jose A. Ferrer. Ten days later, Seattle signed free-agent catcher Andrew Knizner. On December 22, they added free-agent outfielder Rob Refsnyder to the mix.
Individually, none of these moves were flashy. Collectively, they were sensible. Ferrer provides another left-handed option in the bullpen, giving the Mariners a second southpaw they can trust in leverage situations alongside Gabe Speier. Knizner fills the role of backup catcher, offering experience and stability unless a younger option forces his way onto the roster during spring training. Refsnyder brings a right-handed bat with versatility, capable of filling a platoon role and covering multiple positions, including the outfield, first base, and designated hitter.
These transactions addressed practical needs. They improved depth, created matchup flexibility, and reduced the likelihood of scrambling later in the season. Still, they did not align with the grander vision many believed Seattle had for this winter.
From the outset of the offseason, the Mariners were clear about wanting more offense in the middle of their lineup. Ideally, they hoped to re-sign Jorge Polanco or acquire a similar bat—someone capable of anchoring the order while playing either second or third base. That plan unraveled when Polanco agreed to a two-year, $40 million deal with the New York Mets, effectively closing the door on a reunion.
With Polanco off the board, Seattle’s infield picture became more uncertain. As things stand, Ben Williamson and Cole Young are penciled in at second and third base, while top prospect Colt Emerson is expected to compete for a roster spot. That configuration may hold when players report to Peoria, Arizona, or it could look entirely different by Opening Day.
MORE: St. Louis Cardinals bullpen news sees proposed blockbuster Cubs deal for superstar baseman
Behind the scenes, the Mariners’ leadership is far from satisfied. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander remain aggressive in their pursuit of upgrades. Both executives have emphasized that the roster is still a work in progress and that additional moves are not only possible but likely.
Seattle Mariners bullpen trade rumors. One of the most discussed possibilities involves trade talks with the St. Louis Cardinals centered around infielder Brendan Donovan. Donovan is an appealing target: a versatile defender capable of playing both second and third base, a dependable left-handed hitter, and a player under club control for two more seasons. Unsurprisingly, Seattle is not alone in its interest.
The Cardinals, now led by president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom, understand Donovan’s value and have approached negotiations carefully. Bloom has reportedly been methodical in evaluating offers, knowing he holds a highly attractive trade chip in a market where quality infielders are in demand.
One reason a deal has not materialized may be Seattle’s reluctance to subtract from its major league roster. The Mariners have made it clear they prefer not to weaken their current lineup or pitching staff to acquire Donovan. Instead, they are willing to dip into their farm system, which is widely regarded as one of the deepest in baseball.
Among the prospects Seattle could include in a package is Jurrangelo Cijntje, a switch-pitcher and their first-round pick in the 2024 draft. The willingness to consider moving such a unique and high-upside prospect underscores how serious the Mariners are about improving their present-day roster.
Seattle has also explored options beyond St. Louis. They have reportedly checked in with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding second baseman Ketel Marte. Marte would represent a significant upgrade offensively, offering switch-hitting ability and proven production at the top or middle of a lineup.
However, that path is complicated. Diamondbacks president Mike Hazen has been vocal about his preference to keep Marte in Arizona. At the same time, Hazen recognizes the reality of roster construction and understands that moving a veteran of Marte’s caliber could bring back a substantial return, particularly in the form of major league pitching.
MORE: Red Sox Roster Move Today Sign Veteran Southpaw To Bolster Bullpen
Reports suggest Arizona’s asking price is steep. The Diamondbacks are believed to be seeking an established MLB starting pitcher along with multiple high-end prospects. That demand clashes directly with Seattle’s stance. Dipoto and Hollander have repeatedly stated they have no intention of trading from their starting rotation, which they view as a foundational strength.
Financial considerations further complicate the picture. Marte is owed $100 million over the next six seasons, including $16 million for the upcoming year. Absorbing that salary while also surrendering significant prospect capital makes a deal challenging, if not prohibitive, under the Mariners’ current constraints.
According to FanGraphs, Seattle’s payroll projection sits around $157 million. Dipoto indicated at the conclusion of the 2025 season that the team’s budget would be similar to the previous year, when payroll finished near $168 million. That leaves some room to maneuver but not enough to comfortably absorb a massive contract without making sacrifices elsewhere.
Another possibility that has lingered involves a reunion with Eugenio Suárez. Suárez, who previously played a key role in Seattle, is reportedly seeking a multiyear deal. However, as the offseason drags on and options dwindle, the likelihood of him settling for a one-year contract increases. If that happens, the Mariners could become a logical landing spot, especially if they remain unable to secure a trade upgrade.
At the top of the free-agent market, names like Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, Kyle Tucker, and Cody Bellinger are widely viewed as unrealistic fits given Seattle’s budget limitations. Those players command contracts that would stretch or exceed what the Mariners are prepared to spend.
Instead, the front office could turn to lower-cost free agents such as Miguel Andújar or Ramón Urías. Neither would transform the lineup on their own, but both could provide depth, flexibility, and incremental improvement at a reasonable price.
One constant with Dipoto and Hollander is unpredictability. While much of the public discussion centers on obvious targets and reported rumors, the Mariners’ decision-makers have shown time and again that they are willing to pursue unconventional paths. Surprise trades and under-the-radar acquisitions are very much part of their operating style.
MORE: Padres bullpen depth update officially get unexpected free agent ‘perfect fit’
With the holidays in the rearview mirror, Seattle is expected to ramp up efforts to finalize its roster before spring training begins in mid-February. There is a sense of urgency, not panic, but recognition that the current group may not be the finished product.
If the Mariners appear incomplete right now, it is because they are—by their own admission. The offseason may be winding down, but Seattle’s pursuit of meaningful upgrades is far from over. Whether through a trade, a late free-agent signing, or an unexpected move, the front office remains intent on ensuring that when the team takes the field, it reflects the ambitions that were so evident when winter first began.
Be the first to comment