A Tale of Transformation: Elevating the Seattle Mariners to the Top of the AL West
The Seattle Mariners have been diligently working during the offseason to address their areas of concern, aiming to achieve their maximum potential in the upcoming 2025 season. While the team showed significant offensive improvements towards the end of the previous season, relying solely on those advancements to carry over into the new year would be risky. With Julio Rodríguez, Victor Robles, and Randy Arozarena solidifying the outfield positions, the Mariners must now focus on fortifying the infield and designated hitter (DH) spots to create a well-rounded team. Club president Jerry Dipoto has hinted at potential internal solutions, but there are three crucial moves that Seattle should consider before the commencement of the new season. These strategic maneuvers could help balance the lineup, infuse much-needed power and consistency, and significantly enhance the Mariners’ chances of contending in the competitive AL West division.
Trade for Triston Casas
One of the most pressing concerns for the Mariners lies at first base, a position where the team has yet to establish a long-term solution. While Luke Raley emerged as a viable option last season, Seattle should aim higher, and the opportunity presented by Boston’s Triston Casas is a compelling one. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, Casas is a left-handed slugger who has already showcased his prowess in hitting for power and getting on base. With an impressive .830 OPS and 42 home runs in just 840 plate appearances over his first two MLB seasons, the 25-year-old Casas could potentially become a cornerstone bat for the Mariners’ future, under team control through 2028. The recent signing of Alex Bregman by the Red Sox and the potential move of Rafael Devers to first base could make Casas available via trade, and the Mariners possess the pitching depth to facilitate such a deal. Acquiring a young, cost-controlled first baseman with elite offensive potential like Casas would not only provide power and plate discipline but also offer long-term stability at a crucial position, addressing a pressing need for the Mariners.
Sign JD Martinez to Strengthen the DH Spot
A noticeable void in Seattle’s lineup has been the lack of consistent production at the designated hitter position. To bolster this area, the Mariners require a seasoned hitter capable of delivering power and clutch performances, making JD Martinez an ideal candidate. Despite being 36 years old, Martinez remains one of the most reliable offensive threats in the game. In the 2024 season, he tallied 33 home runs with an .864 OPS, demonstrating that he still possesses formidable skills. Adding Martinez to the heart of the lineup would not only increase Seattle’s run production but also provide a formidable bat to protect Julio Rodríguez. Martinez brings invaluable postseason experience, having participated in numerous playoff series and clinched a World Series victory with the Red Sox in 2018. His ability to excel in high-pressure situations could be a game-changer for the Mariners, who are eager to make a breakthrough in the postseason. The advantage of signing Martinez lies in the fact that it would not necessitate sacrificing assets in a trade. With the financial flexibility to offer a one-year, incentive-laden contract, Seattle could provide Martinez with the opportunity to pursue another playoff run while securing a dependable DH for the team.
Sign José Iglesias to Upgrade Second Base
Second base has been a position of flux for the Mariners in recent years, lacking the stability and veteran leadership that José Iglesias could bring to the team. Iglesias enjoyed a remarkable 2024 season with the Mets, boasting a .337 batting average and a 137 wRC+. His arrival coincided with the Mets’ impressive turnaround, and although his success was partially aided by a high BABIP, Iglesias remains an elite contact hitter with a proven track record. Beyond his offensive capabilities, Iglesias is also a defensive stalwart, capable of making consistent plays in the field. His presence would significantly bolster Seattle’s infield defense, which is a concern heading into the 2025 season. While 35-year-old Iglesias may not represent a long-term solution, his addition would fulfill an immediate need for the Mariners while they cultivate younger alternatives. Bringing Iglesias onboard would provide Seattle with a seasoned infielder who understands what it takes to win, a quality that holds immense value for a team aspiring to succeed.
The Seattle Mariners have laid a solid foundation, but to complete their 2025 roster and mount a serious challenge in the AL West, they must make crucial moves. Trading for Triston Casas, signing J.D. Martinez, and acquiring José Iglesias would inject the necessary offensive firepower and veteran presence required for contention. While the pitching remains a strength and the outfield is set, failing to upgrade the infield and DH spots would leave the team vulnerable to another season of offensive struggles. To compete effectively with the likes of the Astros and Rangers, the Mariners cannot afford to remain passive and hope for internal improvements alone. These three strategic acquisitions would furnish Seattle with a well-rounded and potent lineup, positioning them for a legitimate postseason push and potentially bringing playoff baseball back to the city of Seattle.
