The Seattle Mariners enter this offseason carrying the weight of both excitement and heartbreak. Their 2025 campaign became one of the most memorable seasons in franchise history, a run that captivated fans and revived hope throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle came within a whisper of reaching the World Series for the first time, pushing the Toronto Blue Jays to a decisive Game 7 in the American League Championship Series. In the end, however, a single painful loss halted the dream. Even so, the postseason journey reenergized the organization and raised expectations heading into the offseason.
Now the Mariners face an offseason that feels urgent, strategic, and deeply significant. The foundation of a championship-caliber roster appears to be in place, yet there’s a sense that one or two key moves could determine whether Seattle ends up celebrating a championship or looking back at another near miss. Among those key storylines is the uncertainty surrounding first baseman Josh Naylor.
For months, most observers assumed Naylor would return to Seattle without much discussion. He played with a fiery competitiveness and became a fan favorite, offering a mixture of emotional leadership, timely hitting, and toughness that resonated with both teammates and fans. He also seemed to fit the culture that manager and players have built in the clubhouse—a gritty, confident, no-excuse mentality. Because of that, the idea of him playing elsewhere didn’t feel realistic.
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But social media has a way of shifting assumptions quickly.
After the season ended, catcher Cal Raleigh made a reflective post expressing appreciation for teammates and looking forward to the future. Many Mariners players commented, but it was Naylor’s response that sent shockwaves through the fan base.
Under Raleigh’s post, Naylor wrote:
“My neck still hurts but it was worth it all. See you around my friend ❤️ Will always be rooting for you, God Speed!”
In isolation, it could be interpreted as simple postseason emotion—a player dealing with physical exhaustion, sadness, and gratitude. But to fans and analysts, the wording read almost like a farewell message. Phrases such as “see you around” and “always be rooting for you” do not sound like someone fully confident he will be back in the same locker room next season. Speculation escalated almost immediately. Local radio, national baseball shows, and online discussion boards debated whether Naylor’s future in Seattle had taken a sudden turn.
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If Seattle loses Naylor, replacing his bat and energy becomes a priority. And in the eyes of multiple league insiders, including The Athletic’s Jim Bowden, there may be no bigger or more intriguing possible replacement than Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.
Bowden’s evaluation of Alonso is both flattering and realistic. The Mets slugger, known affectionately by fans as “Polar Bear,” has cemented himself as one of the most powerful hitters in baseball. Bowden notes that Alonso is now the Mets’ all-time home run leader, a remarkable achievement considering the franchise’s history of strong offensive players. Alonso sits at 264 home runs, and he continues to hit them at an elite pace. Bowden highlights that Alonso bounced back from what some called a down year in 2024, posting 38 home runs and leading the National League with 41 doubles.
For Alonso, this level of consistency is nothing new. He has finished with 37 or more home runs in five consecutive seasons, a streak that only a handful of active players can match. And while defense has never been his calling card—Bowden acknowledges Alonso grades as a below-average defensive first baseman—he is dedicated and continually works to improve. Perhaps more importantly, Alonso brings something managers crave: durability. He played all 162 games in each of the last two seasons, making him one of the most dependable everyday players in the league.
Bowden summarizes the Mets’ relationship with Alonso in simple terms: he is beloved in Queens, and that admiration flows both directions. His production, charisma, and connection with fans make him one of the most recognizable faces of the franchise.
Yet, despite that love, Alonso’s future with the Mets remains uncertain.
When Alonso was asked directly about free agency and whether he envisions staying in New York, his answer reflected honesty and realism. He expressed affection for the Mets, appreciation for the organization and fans, and gratitude for his time there. But he also acknowledged that baseball is a business, and the future is rarely predictable. His comments were reflective and mature:
“But again, we’ll see what happens. I love it, it’s great, but you can’t really predict anything. And for me… I am focused on trying to put this thing across the finish line. I haven’t really thought about the free agent thing until we’re talking about it right now. It would be great to stay. But, again, whatever happens, happens. I can’t get a crystal ball. I wish I could, but we’ll see.”
Players don’t talk like that unless there is some degree of uncertainty. Alonso didn’t declare loyalty or commitment beyond the season. He didn’t assure reporters the Mets were his long-term home. Instead, he acknowledged reality—something could change, and his future elsewhere is absolutely possible.
This is where Seattle enters the picture.
If Naylor indeed leaves, Alonso would be a near-perfect replacement. They share similarities—both hit for power, both bring energy, both elevate the middle of the lineup. But Alonso adds something extra: he is one of the best pure power hitters in the modern era. His ability to change a game with one swing would give the Mariners a feared cleanup hitter and strengthen the run-scoring potential around stars like Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh.
Adding Alonso would also signal to baseball that Seattle is not satisfied with coming close. They want to win the American League pennant. They want to bring home a championship. And they are willing to spend the money necessary to do so.
Seattle’s front office has the resources, flexibility, and motivation to make a splash. The Mariners have built a strong pitching staff led by frontline starters and an improving bullpen. They also have a talented young core on offense. What they need is a hitter who consistently forces pitchers to alter their approach—a player who shifts momentum simply by stepping into the batter’s box.
Alonso is that hitter.
And unlike some stars who seek massive long-term contracts far beyond their current value, Alonso might not be expensive enough to scare off the Mariners. The team has shown willingness to invest heavily, and Bowden notes that if Seattle decides Alonso is the missing piece, they may even be prepared to offer more than what Alonso initially expects.
In nearly every way—on the field, in the clubhouse, and in terms of competitive identity—Pete Alonso fits what the Mariners need. If Naylor departs, Seattle’s first call may very well be to New York.
The Mariners came one win away from the greatest moment in franchise history. Now comes the next crucial decision: whether to replace Josh Naylor with one of baseball’s most dangerous hitters.
This offseason could define the Mariners’ next decade. And Pete Alonso may become the defining move.
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