After a season that began with high hopes but ended in disappointment, the Seattle Mariners now enter a pivotal offseason with several key decisions to make. With Mariners manager Dan Wilson leading the charge, here are five pressing questions the team must address as they prepare for 2025.
- Payroll will increase—but by how much?
Mariners chairman John Stanton has confirmed that the team’s payroll will increase from its $145 million figure in 2024, but the extent of that increase remains unclear. Most of the rise is expected to come from within, as key players from the young core move through arbitration, according to president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto.
Though the Mariners’ payroll projections are currently in the $125-$130 million range, they are unlikely to make any splash signings from the top free-agent market. Names like Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, and Alex Bregman are out of reach, meaning the Mariners will need to get creative with their financial resources to improve the roster.
- Who might they trade?
Dipoto’s “draft, develop, and trade” philosophy will likely be in play once again this offseason. To bring in impactful talent, Seattle may have to part with some of its assets. One name that has generated discussion is J.P. Crawford, who had a down year but could bounce back. Dipoto expressed confidence in Crawford’s potential return to form, saying, “We will get a better version of J.P. next year.”
While Dipoto has made it clear that young arms like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo are off-limits, there is speculation that Luis Castillo could be moved. Offloading Castillo’s $24.15 million salary for the next three years could free up financial flexibility, though his full no-trade clause complicates any potential deal.
Veterans Mitch Haniger and Mitch Garver could also be trade candidates, but moving them would likely require the Mariners to absorb part of their combined $27.5 million salaries. Garver, as the backup catcher, might find a clearer role in 2025, while Haniger’s limited opportunities in the outfield—now stacked with Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, and Victor Robles—make him expendable.
- How much bullpen help is needed?
The Mariners’ bullpen depth became a glaring issue in the season’s final months. Andrés Muñoz was sidelined with elbow inflammation, and midseason acquisition Yimi García suffered a season-ending elbow injury. Gregory Santos, another key arm, dealt with injuries throughout the season and remains a question mark going forward.
Despite these setbacks, there were bright spots—rookie Troy Taylor emerged as a reliable piece, and Matt Brash is expected to return from Tommy John surgery in June. However, Seattle will likely need to bolster its bullpen with more depth to avoid similar issues in 2025.
- Will Edgar Martinez be back?
Edgar Martinez’s future with the Mariners coaching staff is one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the offseason. Both Stanton and Dipoto have expressed a strong desire to retain the Hall of Famer. Wilson, who made Martinez his first coaching hire as manager, credited him for the team’s late-season resurgence, citing Martinez’s straightforward approach as key to the Mariners’ turnaround in September.
While Martinez’s return seems likely, the specifics of his role are still being determined, with the front office working on a “creative situation” to keep him involved.
- Which prospects could contribute in 2025?
The Mariners have several promising prospects who could play significant roles next season. First baseman Tyler Locklear, the team’s No. 6 prospect, showed promise last year before being sent back to the minors after the acquisition of veteran Justin Turner. Locklear is expected to compete for a roster spot in spring training, especially with the team’s need at first base.
Second baseman Cole Young, Seattle’s No. 2 prospect, is also close to making his MLB debut. His development at second base could align perfectly with the Mariners’ need for stability in the infield.
Meanwhile, Logan Evans, the No. 10 prospect, impressed throughout the system and could emerge as a versatile pitching option. The Mariners considered using Evans in a relief role late in the season but opted to continue his development as a starter. He could be a key piece in Seattle’s rotation or bullpen in 2025.
As the Mariners navigate this crucial offseason, how they address these burning questions will shape their future and their chances of making a deeper postseason run next year.
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