MLB offseason notes: Will the Mariners re-sign Jorge Polanco? Plus, MacKenzie Gore's future

Seattle’s five-year commitment to Josh Naylor and a loaded farm system lessen the urgency to sign another marquee infielder; punters should lower the probability of Jorge Polanco landing in Seattle and consider markets where Boston or Toronto pursue him. Expect the Mariners to favor internal options at middle infield/third base — that could depress lines on big free-agent third basemen coming to Seattle.

Mariners’ Naylor Deal Alters Offseason Blueprint

The Seattle Mariners’ five-year, $92.5 million commitment to Josh Naylor reduces their immediate reliance on major free-agent signings. With a deep and productive farm system supplying recent and near-ready talent, the front office can prioritize flexibility rather than overspend on another veteran bat.

How the Naylor signing affects infield plans

Naylor’s contract pushes the Mariners toward using their internal depth at corner and middle infield. Jorge Polanco remains on the market and is expected to explore options, but Seattle now has greater latitude to let him test demand rather than make a desperation move. Expensive targets such as Munetaka Murakami appear unlikely given the financial commitment to Naylor and the presence of high-upside prospects.

Third Base and Middle Infield: Options and Questions

Ben Williamson’s elite defense is offset by a thin offensive profile (.604 OPS, one home run in 277 at-bats), leaving Seattle to examine upgrades at third base. Eugenio Suárez’s free agency again opens the position, but the club seems inclined to balance cost with prospect opportunity.

Is Colt Emerson the fast-track candidate?

Colt Emerson — the 22nd overall pick in 2023 — has primarily played shortstop in the minors but could factor into the lineup sooner than expected. The organization views him in the same mold as past talent that earned a rapid promotion; if Emerson flashes readiness in spring training, he won’t be held back. That versatility gives Seattle options to cover shortstop, second base or third base depending on roster construction.

Prospect Pipeline Keeps Seattle Competitive

Several top prospects have already arrived and others are closing in. Second baseman Cole Young and catcher Harry Ford reached the majors last season, while infielder Michael Arroyo and Emerson are among those projected to challenge for big-league roles in the near future. Outfield prospect Lazaro Montes offers power potential, and a wave of pitching prospects — from lefty Kade Anderson to the intriguing switch-thrower Jurrangelo Cijntje and righty Ryan Sloan — bolster long-term depth.

Why internal talent matters

A consistent flow of homegrown players gives the Mariners roster flexibility and payroll breathing room. That approach allows the club to be selective in free agency, target complementary pieces, and pivot based on spring performance and injuries.

Starting Pitching Market: Posturing and Targets

The supply-demand imbalance for quality starters is pushing teams to posture aggressively. Names like Tarik Skubal, Freddy Peralta and Joe Ryan headline the market, but some executives believe clubs may wait for clearer pricing after top free-agent starters sign. That dynamic could make mid-tier starters more attainable.

MacKenzie Gore’s trade calculus

Washington left-hander MacKenzie Gore, under control for two more seasons with a reasonable arbitration projection, remains a plausible trade candidate — but the Nationals might prefer to develop him further given a belief he could reach another level with changes in coaching. Keeping him carries injury risk but also potential upside that could raise his trade return later.

Pirates’ Johan Oviedo Draws Quiet Interest

Johan Oviedo returned late from Tommy John surgery and a spring lat issue, producing a 3.57 ERA in nine late-season starts. His post-surgery performance and underlying metrics have drawn analytic interest around the league. The Pirates view him as a valuable rotation piece and are reluctant to move him cheaply, though he could be included in high-value conversations. Right-hander Mitch Keller — owed a sizable contract over the next three seasons — is a more likely trade candidate if Pittsburgh decides to deal rotation assets.

San Diego Reunites with Kyle Hart

Kyle Hart opted to return to San Diego, influenced by continuity with new manager Craig Stammen and pitching coach Ruben Niebla. Hart’s 5.86 ERA in 43 innings was tempered by a 3.56 expected ERA, suggesting better results could be ahead. He inked a one-year deal with a club option for 2027 that guarantees $1.2 million and projects to fill a swing role between rotation and bullpen.

Front-Office Moves and Positional Notes Around the League

Leadership changes are reshaping front-office hiring priorities in several clubs, with teams targeting executives who have experience in player development and scouting. Meanwhile, the catching market is drawing interest: Kyle Teel has attracted inquiries but his current club is unlikely to move him without a spectacular return, given limited depth behind their top two receivers.

Will the Cubs use the offseason to address second-half hitting slump?

Key Deadlines and Roster Timing

A subset of free agents face qualifying-offer deadlines that will affect market movement, and teams must complete reserve lists for major- and minor-league levels by prescribed dates. Those procedural windows will influence trade chatter and late offseason transactions.

What to watch next

Monitor spring training performance from Emerson, Arroyo and other near-MLB prospects — their readiness will shape whether Seattle pursues additional veteran upgrades. On the pitching front, watch how teams price starting pitchers once the top free agents commit; that will determine which clubs shift toward trade-market starters or internal solutions.

Regardless if Seattle signs Polanco, the Mariners are well-positioned, both in the short and long term. Also, interest in Johan Oviedo.

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