The Seattle Mariners are a team that had their fair share of ups, downs, and loppy-loops in their franchise’s history, and this past offseason has been no exception. After an absolutely crushing seven-game loss in the ALCS, the Mariners looked to bounce back in the offseason. The strategy that GM Jerry Dipoto used is interesting, as he used the trade block and players that go under the radar to the most effect. With Spring Training right around the corner, I thought it would be nice to recap an interesting Mariners offseason, to say the least.
Firstly, the Mariners made a big impact to start the offseason. All the way back in November, the Dipoto Express got started when the Mariners signed 1B Josh Naylor to a 5-year, $92.5 million contract. Naylor, the Canadian native who was ranked as the 70th best player in baseball by MLB.com, posted a .295/.353/.462 slash line across 147 games with the M’s and Arizona Diamondbacks. The Trade deadline addition from last year made his presence known in Seattle, and it is clear that he has the backing of the M’s front stagecoach.
Second, the Mariners cleaned up the Bullpen and got some new arms for relief. This was definitely a must, as last time we saw the bullpen in a big moment they completely blew the game, leading to a go-ahead home run and costing the Mariners the season in game 7 of the ALCS.
The biggest bullpen move they made was trading C/Utility Harry Ford and some prospects to the Nationals for Jose A. Ferrer. The 6”1 Lefty gets up to 100MPH on the sinker, leading to a potential opportunity for one of the best developmental groups in all of baseball to work their magic.
The Mariners also added some lower-end bullpen arms to the team with varying potentials and skill sets. This group, commonly referred to as “the pile” is like the coal that fuels the Dipoto express; once it’s in motion, it needs constant fuel. This list includes, Yosover Zuleta, Cole Wilcox, Ryan Lotuos, Robinson Ortiz, Alex Hoppe, Copper Crispwell, and Michael Rucker.
Lastly, we saw the M’s add some new bats. RF/DH Robbie Refsyneder was signed by the Mariners on a 1-year, $6 million pact, adding some much-needed right-handed pop to the team. The former Red Sox, who is known as a clubhouse charm and veteran ballplayer, is one of the big additions that GM Jerry Dipoto is showing off. The Mariners also added journeyman C Andrew Knizer, who is destined to fill the role of backup catcher with Mitch Garver’s departure.
Overall, the Dipoto Express and the Mariners as a whole have had an offseason. Losing big bats like Geno Suarez and Mitch Garver does take a big toll on their famously streaky offense, and their painstakingly slow offseason pace has been very odd for a top-class team, but they still have one of the best pitching rotations in the league. With pitchers and catchers having already reported, only time will tell if the M’s can top their ALCS run in 2025.
Author’s Note: As of February 2nd, 2026, the Mariners have traded for Brendan Donovan. The German-Born 3rd Baseman comes to Seattle in a 3-team move after the M’s sent Jurrangello Cijntje, Tai Pette, Ben Williamson, and a Competitive Balance Round B pick to the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. Donovan, the 2025 all-star, put up a .287/.353/.775 slash line last year, and is sure to be a great utility pick up for the M’s.
