 The Seattle Mariners are reportedly open to offers for veteran right-hander Luis Castillo, according to the Boston Globe. Castillo, who is set to turn 32 soon, is owed just under $70 million from 2025-27 with a vesting option for 2028. In 2024, he threw 175 1/3 innings with 175 strikeouts and a 3.64 ERA. With a loaded rotation, Seattle could deal a starter to bolster their offense. Trading Castillo, the team's highest-paid pitcher, would clear up some money and potentially add a bat or two.
The Boston Red Sox emerge as a potential landing spot for Castillo. After missing out on Juan Soto, Boston has a clear desire to add a high-end starter this offseason. They've been connected to Corbin Burnes and Max Fried recently, and they have depth in lefty bats like Wilyer Abreu, Triston Casas, Jarren Duran, Rafael Devers, and Masataka Yoshida. Could a trade involving Casas for Castillo, plus additional pieces to balance the deal, work for both teams?
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The Seattle Mariners are actively seeking to upgrade their infield after a challenging season that saw them rank 21st or worse in OPS at second base, third base, and shortstop. Despite solid performances at first base, the team faces uncertainty with Justin Turner entering free agency and Luke Raley being an outfielder by trade.
Reports from Adam Jude of the Seattle Times indicate that the Mariners have been engaged in exploratory talks with other clubs for a new third baseman. Specifically, the Mariners have discussed acquiring Alec Bohm from the Philadelphia Phillies, although the Phillies reportedly requested either Logan Gilbert or George Kirby in return. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has stated that the team is not open to trading their young starting pitchers this winter. In addition to Bohm, the Mariners have had preliminary discussions with the Chicago Cubs regarding Gold Glove infielder Nico Hoerner. The Cubs are seeking "proven Major League talent" as part of any potential deal. Another name to watch is Christian Walker, as suggested by MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi. Walker, a free agent, may not command as lengthy or lucrative a contract as Pete Alonso due to his age (33). However, Walker's recent performance—slugging 26 homers in 130 games, recording an .800-plus OPS for the third consecutive season, and winning his third consecutive Gold Glove—makes him a valuable target for teams seeking a first baseman. "I think for [Walker] on a three- or maybe even a four-year deal, with the defensive value that he brings and the power, I think Walker and the Mariners, that is one of the pairings that I'm watching very carefully potentially in the days ahead," Morosi commented during Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove. While Alonso has hit more home runs than Walker over the past three seasons (120 to 95), Walker's defensive prowess sets him apart. According to outs above average, Walker has been vastly superior on defense (36 to minus-16). As the Mariners look to bolster their infield, the coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the team's offseason moves and overall strategy for improving their lineup.  Christian Walker, a marquee first baseman, is set to be a hot commodity in free agency this offseason. Though his contract likely won't match that of Pete Alonso due to age differences—Walker is 33, four years older than Alonso—his recent performance makes him highly desirable. Walker hit 26 home runs in 130 games last season, maintaining an OPS above .800 for the third consecutive year, and won his third straight Gold Glove.
The New York Yankees are among the teams interested in Walker. However, MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi has identified another potential suitor: the Seattle Mariners. During Wednesday's edition of Hot Stove, Morosi remarked, "I think for [Walker] on a three- or maybe even a four-year deal, with the defensive value that he brings and the power, I think Walker and the Mariners, that is one of the pairings that I'm watching very carefully potentially in the days ahead." The Mariners had solid production from their first basemen this season, with their 115 wRC+ ranking eighth-best at the position. Yet, their top producers—Justin Turner, who is now a free agent, and Luke Raley, primarily an outfielder—leave room for an upgrade. While Alonso has outpaced Walker in home runs over the past three seasons (120 to 95), Walker's defensive prowess sets him apart. Walker's defensive metrics, as measured by outs above average, are vastly superior to Alonso's (36 to minus-16). As the offseason progresses, both the Yankees and Mariners will be closely watching Walker, whose blend of power and defense makes him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their first base position.  As the Seattle Mariners look to strengthen their infield for the upcoming 2025 season, they have been actively exploring the trade market. According to Adam Jude of the Seattle Times, the Mariners have engaged in trade discussions with the Philadelphia Phillies regarding Alec Bohm and with the Chicago Cubs about Nico Hoerner.
The Mariners' infield is set to undergo significant changes from its 2024 lineup. Ty France was traded to the Reds last year, and Justin Turner became a free agent at the end of the season. Additionally, the Mariners declined a club option on Jorge Polanco and non-tendered Josh Rojas. This leaves J.P. Crawford as the only certainty at shortstop, with question marks around the other infield positions. Recent reports suggest that the Mariners might rely on Dylan Moore and Ryan Bliss to cover second base until prospect Cole Young is ready to step in. However, even with this plan, the corners of the infield still need attention. Luke Raley is a potential option for first base, but he may also play in the corner outfield and would likely require a platoon setup since he performs significantly better against right-handed pitchers. As the Mariners continue their pursuit of infield upgrades, acquiring talent like Bohm or Hoerner could provide much-needed stability and versatility to their roster. The team's efforts to reshape the infield are part of a broader strategy to build a competitive lineup for the 2025 season.  The Seattle Mariners are actively seeking upgrades for multiple infield positions this offseason, with J.P. Crawford remaining their only confirmed starter at shortstop. The organization has shown strong interest in re-signing either Justin Turner or Carlos Santana to bolster their first base options. Meanwhile, they are also exploring various possibilities to strengthen their second and third base positions.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Mariners are primarily focused on finding a new third baseman rather than a second baseman. Currently, the team has in-house options like Ryan Bliss, Dylan Moore, and top prospect Cole Young for second base. At third base, the Mariners' prominent internal options include Moore and recent DFA acquisition Austin Shenton. Both Moore and fellow infielder Leo Rivas are better suited as utility players, with Moore potentially fitting into a short-side platoon role if the Mariners acquire a left-handed bat. However, the Mariners face budget constraints this offseason. Despite an anticipated payroll increase in 2025, it is not expected to be substantial. Following the non-tender of players like Josh Rojas, Austin Voth, Sam Haggerty, and JT Chargois, Adam Jude of the Seattle Times estimates that the Mariners have around $16 million available for player acquisitions. Given this limited budget, it's unlikely the Mariners will make a significant splash in free agency for high-profile players such as Alex Bregman or Willy Adames. President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has historically preferred to operate through trades rather than free-agent signings, having only given one multi-year deal to a position-player free agent (Mitch Garver at two years and $24 million) in his nine years with the Mariners. While trade options are not abundant, a few notable names are available. The Phillies have reportedly been shopping Alec Bohm, who, despite not being an elite hitter, offers a combination of affordability and potential defensive improvement. Bohm's projected salary stands at $8.1 million, making him a viable target for the Mariners. Additionally, former Mets top prospect Brett Baty could benefit from a change of scenery after the emergence of Mark Vientos. The Mets, who may allow Pete Alonso to depart in free agency and shift Vientos to first base, could be interested in acquiring a higher-profile third baseman, leaving Baty as a potential trade candidate. As the Mariners navigate their offseason strategy, fans can expect a combination of strategic trades and budget-conscious moves aimed at bolstering their infield and improving the team's overall performance for the 2025 season. Stay tuned for further updates as Seattle's front office works to enhance their roster and build a competitive team.  The Seattle Mariners have officially announced their coaching staff for the 2025 season. Most of the appointments are familiar faces from the previous year, but a few new names and role changes stand out.
Key Promotions and Changes
Departures and New Roles
Adam Jude of the Seattle Times relayed these changes prior to the official announcement, highlighting the internal shuffle within the organization. With these adjustments, the Mariners hope to build on their staff's experience and bring new energy into the 2025 season.  The Seattle Mariners are making a strategic addition to their coaching staff by planning to hire Kevin Seitzer as their new hitting coach, according to Daniel Kramer ofMLB.com.
Edgar Martinez's New Role Edgar Martinez, who served as the team's hitting coach last season, will transition to an overarching role. Seitzer will report directly to Martinez, indicating that the Mariners legend remains the primary hitting voice within the organization. Although Martinez will not regularly travel with the team for road games, he will be heavily involved during Spring Training and most home games. His new title will be Senior Director of Hitting Strategy, as confirmed by Adam Jude of the Seattle Times. Addition of Bobby Magallanes In addition to Seitzer, the Mariners are hiring Bobby Magallanes as assistant hitting coach. Magallanes, 55, has spent the past four seasons as an assistant hitting coach with the Braves under Seitzer, bringing valuable experience to the Mariners' coaching team. Seitzer's Extensive Experience Kevin Seitzer brings two decades of hitting coach experience to Dan Wilson’s staff. His coaching career includes stints with the Diamondbacks, Royals, and Blue Jays before joining the Braves during the 2014-15 offseason. Seitzer spent 10 seasons as Atlanta’s hitting coach, a period during which the Braves were consistent contenders. The Mariners are poised to benefit from Seitzer's wealth of experience and the new structure with Martinez overseeing hitting strategy. This reshuffle aims to bolster the team's offensive performance for the upcoming season. The Seattle Mariners have added depth to their pitching staff by signing right-handed pitcher Adonis Medina to a minor league contract, as reported by Matt Eddy of Baseball America. The deal is expected to come with an invitation to big league Spring Training next year.
Adonis Medina's Career Journey Medina, who will turn 28 next month, began his professional career with the Philadelphia Phillies after signing out of the Dominican Republic. He made his pro debut in 2014 and quickly climbed the minor league ranks. By 2017, he was a consensus top-100 prospect in baseball following a strong performance at Single-A. However, Medina's progress stalled over the next two years. He struggled at the Double-A level in 2019, posting a 4.94 ERA while striking out 17.5% of opponents. Despite these struggles, the Phillies called him up for his major league debut during the shortened 2020 season. In a spot start against the Blue Jays, Medina surrendered two runs over four innings, striking out four but also walking three. Medina split the 2021 season between the big leagues and Triple-A, showing promise with a 3.52 ERA in four major league appearances but struggling with a 5.05 ERA at Triple-A. His inconsistent performance led the Phillies to place him on waivers, after which he was claimed by the Pirates and subsequently traded to the Mets. Transition to Relief Pitching With the Mets, Medina transitioned to a full-time reliever. While he posted a 4.65 ERA at Triple-A, his major league performance continued to be shaky, resulting in a 6.08 ERA over 23 2/3 innings. The Mets designated him for assignment in September, prompting Medina to explore opportunities overseas. Stint in South Korea and Return to the U.S. Medina signed with the KBO's KIA Tigers in South Korea, where he attempted to return to starting pitching. Unfortunately, this experiment did not yield positive results, as he posted a 6.05 ERA in 58 innings over 12 starts. Medina was released in July and remained unsigned until the Washington Nationals brought him back on a minor league deal in February. With the Nationals, Medina showed improvement, recording a 3.76 ERA over 64 2/3 innings in 49 relief appearances at Triple-A. He struck out 21.9% of batters faced while walking 9.5%, marking his best ratio since his days as a top prospect. Opportunity with the Mariners Now with the Mariners, Medina has the chance to compete for a spot in the bullpen during Spring Training. If he does not make the Opening Day roster, he will provide valuable non-roster depth in the minors. The Mariners hope Medina can build on his recent success and become a key contributor to their pitching staff.  In a notable shift within the MLB representation landscape, 2024 Gold Glove winner Cal Raleigh has become the latest player to part ways with famed agent Scott Boras. According to a report by Kiley McDaniel of ESPN, the Seattle Mariners catcher has decided to change his representation, moving from Boras Corp. to Excel Sports Management.
Raleigh, 27, had an impressive season with the Mariners, blasting 34 homers and driving in 100 RBIs. His defensive prowess was equally notable, earning him his first Gold Glove award thanks to his exceptional pitch framing skills. While Raleigh remains under club control through 2027, his standout performance positions him as a candidate for a potential contract extension with Seattle as they head into the 2025 season. The decision to switch agents comes amid a turbulent period for Boras. His reputation took a hit last offseason when many of his clients were forced to settle for one- or two-year deals after prolonged negotiations in the free agent market. Despite this, Boras remains a heavyweight in the industry, with several high-profile clients set to enter free agency this winter, likely aiding his quick recovery. Raleigh's move to Excel Sports Management signals a strategic choice as he looks to navigate the next stages of his career, both on and off the field. With his new representation, Raleigh aims to build on his recent successes and secure his future in the MLB. Stay tuned for more updates on Cal Raleigh's career developments and the impact of this agent change on his negotiations with the Mariners.  Seattle Mariners General Manager Justin Hollander has confirmed earlier this offseason that the team is considering a reunion with Justin Turner. Now, reports from Adam Jude of the Seattle Times indicate that the Mariners are also exploring the possibility of bringing back another former Mariner, first baseman Carlos Santana. According to multiple sources cited by Jude, the Mariners are strongly interested in re-signing one of these two players, making a reunion highly likely.
Carlos Santana, who will turn 39 in April, is coming off his best season since 2019. He spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Twins, where he served as the everyday first baseman and earned a Gold Glove for his defensive excellence. Offensively, Santana posted a .238/.328/.420 slash line with 23 home runs in 594 plate appearances. His performance equated to a solid 114 wRC+, indicating he was 14% better than the league average at the plate. After a slow start, he rebounded to hit .253/.342/.460 (129 wRC+) once he connected on his first homer in late April. This level of production, combined with Santana's defensive prowess and stellar clubhouse reputation, makes him an attractive option for many teams. These qualities are particularly appealing to the Mariners, who are also interested in Turner for similar reasons. At the end of the season, Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto emphasized the need for veteran leadership to guide the young clubhouse. He specifically mentioned Turner and Santana as ideal candidates, having previously played key leadership roles during their time in Seattle. As the Mariners continue their offseason pursuits, the potential reunion with either Turner or Santana is a focal point. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if these veteran players will once again don a Mariners uniform and bring their experience and leadership back to the team.  In a bid to strengthen their infield depth, the Seattle Mariners have reacquired infielder Austin Shenton from the Tampa Bay Rays. The trade, confirmed by both teams, involves Seattle sending cash considerations to Tampa Bay in exchange for Shenton. To make room on their 40-man roster, the Mariners have designated right-handed pitcher JT Chargois for assignment.
Austin Shenton, 25, started his professional baseball career with the Mariners, who selected him in the 2019 draft. A versatile defender, Shenton quickly advanced through the minor league ranks, impressing with his consistent hitting. In 120 games across four levels, he posted a .299 batting average, with 46 doubles and 19 home runs, resulting in a .940 OPS. While primarily a third baseman, Shenton has also played at first base, second base, and both corner outfield spots, showcasing his flexibility. Ahead of the 2021 trade deadline, the Mariners traded Shenton to the Rays in exchange for right-handed reliever Diego Castillo. Interestingly, the other player Seattle sent to Tampa Bay in that trade was JT Chargois. After brief stints with the Rays and Marlins, Chargois returned to the Mariners this past summer. However, injuries limited Shenton's playing time in the Rays' system in 2021 and 2022. Despite these setbacks, Shenton had a strong 2023 season, achieving a 1.006 OPS over 134 games between Double-A and Triple-A. His impressive performance led to his addition to the Rays' 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft. JT Chargois, who finds himself designated for assignment, has had a journeyman career with multiple teams, including the Mariners, Rays, and Marlins. His return to Seattle last summer was short-lived, and he now faces an uncertain future as the Mariners make room for their newly reacquired infielder. This trade highlights the Mariners' commitment to bolstering their roster with versatile and productive players. Fans will be eager to see how Shenton's return to the organization impacts the team's performance in the upcoming season. With Shenton's proven track record in the minors, he brings valuable depth and flexibility to the Mariners' infield and overall lineup.  The Seattle Mariners have officially declined their $12 million option on veteran Jorge Polanco, making him a free agent. This decision comes after a disappointing 2024 season for Polanco, who struggled with injuries and posted career lows in batting average and on-base percentage. With Polanco's departure, the Mariners are now on the hunt for a new second baseman this offseason.
Polanco's 2024 Season: A Statistical Overview Polanco's 2024 season was marred by injuries and underperformance. In 118 games, he managed a batting average of just .213, with 15 home runs, 45 RBIs, and a career-worst 29.2% strikeout rate. His on-base percentage was .296, and he produced a mere 0.3 WAR, the lowest in his career since 2015. Polanco also played through a knee injury, which required surgery in early October. Mariners' Options for Second Base With Polanco out of the picture, the Mariners have several options to consider for the second base position. Here are a few potential candidates:
The Mariners' Offensive Struggles The Mariners' offensive struggles in 2024 were a significant factor in their decision to move on from Polanco. The team ranked in the bottom ten in RBIs, bottom five in total bases, and had the second-worst team batting average in the league2. Addressing these issues will be a top priority for the Mariners this offseason. Looking Ahead The Mariners' front office is determined to upgrade their batting order and find a reliable second baseman. Whether they opt for a high-profile free agent like Torres or Kim, or turn to their internal options, the goal is clear: improve the team's offensive production and make a strong push for the playoffs in 2025. The Mariners' offseason moves will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike. With the right additions, Seattle could be a formidable contender in the American League West next season. Via Jon Heyman, the Mariners are signing Brian Anderson to a Minor League deal, with a $2 Million guarantee if he makes the roster.
Anderson has been with the Marlins and Brewers during his 7 year MLB career. He has a .252 average, 66 HR and 273 RBI. At 3B and DH, his offense will def give him a chance to make the squad. |