The Seattle Mariners find themselves in a pivotal moment as one of Major League Baseball’s most complete and well-balanced teams. With a deep pitching staff, a talented lineup, and one of the league’s best defenses, many around the sport believe this could be Seattle’s most realistic shot at winning a World Series in the near future. The organization’s blend of youthful energy and veteran leadership has created a dynamic clubhouse — but with several looming offseason questions, this window of opportunity could close faster than expected.
A major storyline heading into the offseason revolves around the status of three key contributors: Josh Naylor, Eugenio Suárez, and Jorge Polanco. All are set to become free agents, and their departures could significantly reshape the Mariners’ lineup. Naylor, who has developed into one of the more consistent power bats in the American League, is expected to command a sizable contract on the open market. While Seattle is interested in retaining him, the competition for his services could make a reunion uncertain. Suárez and Polanco, on the other hand, seem destined to continue their careers elsewhere, leaving potential holes at multiple infield spots.
Faced with these possible losses, the Mariners’ front office may need to get creative in finding ways to keep their championship hopes alive. That’s where Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer has stepped in with an intriguing proposal — one that would shake up both the Mariners’ and the Tampa Bay Rays’ rosters. Rymer suggested a trade sending young right-hander Emerson Hancock and infield prospect Tai Peete to Tampa Bay in exchange for All-Star infielder Yandy Díaz.
For Seattle, such a move would represent an aggressive push to win now. Díaz, known for his elite contact skills and disciplined approach at the plate, could instantly fill one of the infield vacancies while providing much-needed stability in the middle of the lineup. His ability to hit for average and get on base consistently would complement Seattle’s power-heavy roster perfectly.
Of course, parting with Hancock — one of the Mariners’ top pitching prospects — and Peete — a promising young infielder with impressive raw tools — wouldn’t be easy. But with the team’s sights firmly set on contending for a championship, the front office may view this kind of trade as the bold step necessary to solidify their position among baseball’s elite.
Simply put, this offseason could define the Mariners’ future. Whether they choose to retool through trades, extend key players, or let some veterans walk, their decisions in the coming months will determine if 2025 truly becomes the year Seattle finally breaks through and captures its long-awaited World Series title.
Mock trade sends Yandy Diaz to Mariners as Josh Naylor replacement
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer recently broke down the situation facing the Seattle Mariners, emphasizing how crucial this offseason will be in shaping their long-term outlook. As Rymer pointed out, Seattle has built a strong and steady lineup around Josh Naylor at first base, Jorge Polanco at designated hitter, and Eugenio Suárez at third base. However, all three players are set to hit free agency once the season concludes — putting the Mariners in a difficult position as they look to maintain their offensive core.
“The Mariners have had a good thing going with Josh Naylor at first base, Jorge Polanco at DH, and Eugenio Suárez at third base, but all three are going to be free agents at the end of the season,” Rymer wrote. “The Mariners at least want to keep Naylor, but that would involve playing in an area of the free-agent market where they are typically uncomfortable. It feels more likely they will pursue other options, including those on the trade market.”
One of those “other options” could come in the form of a blockbuster trade. Rymer floated the idea of acquiring Yandy Díaz from the Tampa Bay Rays, a move that could immediately address several lineup concerns for Seattle. Díaz, a two-time All-Star, would bring both stability and production to the middle of the order. His consistent ability to hit for average and generate power — with a .290 batting average and 20–25 home run potential — makes him an ideal fit for a team that has occasionally struggled with offensive consistency.
Financially, Díaz also makes sense for the Mariners. He’s set to earn $12 million in 2026 if Tampa Bay picks up his club option — a bargain for his level of performance and reliability. As Rymer noted, Díaz is essentially a right-handed version of Naylor, minus the 30 stolen bases Naylor recorded this season, which are likely to be a one-time outlier anyway.
In a perfect scenario, Seattle would re-sign Naylor and retain its full offensive core. But with that outcome far from guaranteed, Díaz could serve as the perfect contingency plan. He’s versatile enough to play third base, fill the DH role, or even rotate across multiple infield positions — giving the Mariners much-needed flexibility as they retool their lineup.
Even if Naylor returns, Suárez and Polanco are expected to leave in free agency, leaving gaps that Díaz could easily fill. His bat-to-ball skills, plate discipline, and defensive versatility would provide Seattle with exactly the kind of dependable presence it needs to remain a contender.
No matter how it unfolds, adding Díaz would be a major win for the Mariners — both as a safeguard against potential free-agent departures and as a statement move for a franchise determined to stay in the thick of the American League race for years to come.
