Mariners’ Recent Game Results and Performance
The Seattle Mariners have entered the 2025-26 offseason after a season that left fans with mixed feelings. Their final regular season game took place on September 29, 2025, when they faced the Texas Rangers and lost 4-2, ending their playoff hopes. The Mariners finished the season with a record of 85-77, just missing out on a Wild Card spot. This result has fueled the urgency for the front office to make impactful moves. The team’s performance in September was inconsistent, with a 12-15 record in the final month. Key games, such as the September 25 win over the Houston Astros (5-3), showed flashes of potential, but the Mariners struggled to maintain momentum. The lack of consistent offense and bullpen reliability were major factors in their late-season slide.
Key Offseason Moves: Additions and Departures
The Mariners’ offseason has been marked by a series of notable transactions. The team re-signed Josh Naylor to a five-year deal, securing a core piece of their lineup. Naylor’s return is seen as a positive step, as he hit .271 with 27 home runs and 89 RBIs last season. The Mariners also signed catcher Mitch Garver and relievers Luke Jackson and Trent Thornton to add depth. Garver, who posted a .245 average with 19 home runs for the Texas Rangers in 2025, is expected to split time behind the plate and at designated hitter. Jackson and Thornton bring experience to a bullpen that struggled with injuries and inconsistency last year.
In terms of acquisitions, the Mariners traded for reliever Jose A. Ferrer from the Washington Nationals, aiming to strengthen their late-inning options. Outfielder Rob Refsnyder and catcher Andrew Knizner were signed to one-year deals, providing depth and flexibility. Refsnyder is known for his ability to play multiple outfield positions and his solid on-base skills, while Knizner offers a reliable backup option behind the plate.
However, the Mariners have also seen significant departures. Second baseman Jorge Polanco was traded to the New York Mets on January 10, 2026, in a move that surprised many fans. Polanco hit .258 with 16 home runs last season and was a steady presence in the infield. Catcher Harry Ford was traded to the Nationals, and relievers Caleb Ferguson and Gregory Santos left for the Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants, respectively. These subtractions have created holes in the roster, especially in the middle infield and bullpen.
Lineup Changes and Roster Outlook
The Mariners’ lineup is expected to look different in 2026. With Polanco gone, the team is searching for a veteran infielder to pair with their young talent. Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic reported on January 15, 2026, that the Mariners are targeting Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals as their top trade option. Donovan, a versatile infielder with a .281 average in 2025, would provide much-needed stability. Talks with the Cardinals have centered around prospects Lazaro Montes and Jurrangelo Cijntje, with Seattle reportedly open to moving Cijntje.
If a deal for Donovan falls through, the Mariners may revisit a reunion with Eugenio Suárez, who played for Seattle in 2022 and 2023. Another name mentioned is Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks, but sources say a trade for Marte is unlikely due to high asking prices. The Mariners’ limited options have led to growing frustration among fans and insiders, as the team has yet to make a major addition to replace Polanco.
Trade Rumors and Free Agent Market
Trade rumors have dominated the Mariners’ offseason narrative. The team’s pursuit of Donovan has been well-documented, but progress has been slow. The Cardinals are reportedly shopping Donovan aggressively, hoping to maximize his value. Meanwhile, high-profile free agents like Alex Bregman, Bo Bichette, and Kyle Tucker are considered out of reach for Seattle due to budget constraints. Other speculative trade targets, such as Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Nico Hoerner, have been mentioned, but sources say these are unlikely fits.
The Mariners’ front office has emphasized the need to supplement their young core with experienced hitters. However, the lack of progress on the trade and free agent fronts has left the team in a holding pattern. As spring training approaches, the pressure is mounting to make a move that will address the team’s most pressing needs.
Fan and Insider Reactions
The slow pace of the Mariners’ offseason has led to frustration among the fan base. Many expected the team to be more aggressive after narrowly missing the playoffs. Instead, the Mariners have focused on incremental improvements and depth signings. Insiders have described the situation as “purgatory,” with the team waiting for a breakthrough that has yet to come. The lack of new targets and repetitive trade rumors have only added to the sense of stagnation.
Despite these challenges, the Mariners’ core remains intact. Players like Julio Rodríguez, Logan Gilbert, and George Kirby provide a strong foundation for the future. The team’s ability to develop young talent has been a bright spot, but the need for veteran leadership and offensive consistency is clear.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Mariners?
As the 2026 season approaches, the Mariners face important decisions. The front office must decide whether to push for a major trade or continue building around their current roster. The outcome of ongoing talks with the Cardinals for Donovan could shape the team’s direction. If the Mariners fail to land a veteran infielder, they may need to rely on internal options or pursue lower-profile signings.
Spring training is set to begin in mid-February, giving the Mariners a limited window to finalize their roster. The team’s performance in the early part of the season will likely determine whether they remain in contention or become sellers at the trade deadline. For now, Mariners fans are left waiting for the next big move, hoping that the front office can deliver the spark needed to return to the postseason.