The Seattle Mariners are heading into one of their most critical offseasons in years, coming off a storybook 2025 campaign that reignited the city’s baseball passion. For the first time in over two decades, the Mariners looked poised to make a serious run at a World Series title. They fell just one game short, losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in a heartbreaking Game 7 of the American League Championship Series. Even though their journey ended in disappointment, the 2025 season was a reminder that Seattle baseball is once again a contender on the national stage. Now, as the front office begins its work to build on that success, one of the biggest questions revolves around the future of first baseman Josh Naylor.
Naylor, who arrived in Seattle at the trade deadline and quickly became a fan favorite, played a pivotal role in the Mariners’ postseason push. His energy, clutch hitting, and toughness made him a key part of the lineup. Many assumed he would be a lock to return in 2026. However, a recent comment on teammate Cal Raleigh’s social media post has cast doubt on that assumption and raised eyebrows across the fanbase.
“My neck still hurts but it was worth it all. See you around my friend ❤️ Will always be rooting for you, God Speed!” Naylor wrote, in a message that sounded more like a farewell than a simple offseason sign-off.
Those few words immediately sparked speculation that Naylor may be preparing to leave Seattle in free agency. Given how much he contributed during the Mariners’ playoff run, losing him would be a major blow to the team’s chemistry and offensive consistency. Still, with free agency often unpredictable, general manager Justin Hollander and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto are already exploring potential replacements.
One name that has emerged as a potential target is New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso — one of baseball’s premier power hitters and an ideal fit for Seattle’s needs at first base. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden recently weighed in on the possibility, noting that the Mariners would face a challenge in luring Alonso away from New York, but also acknowledging that his addition could be transformative for Seattle’s lineup.
“Alonso became the Mets’ all-time home run leader this year (he’s now at 264) and he put together a nice rebound season after a down 2024, hitting 38 bombs and leading the National League with 41 doubles,” Bowden wrote. “He is beloved in Queens, and the feeling is mutual. Alonso has belted 37 or more homers in each of the last five seasons and although he’s a below-average defender at first base, he works at it and he’s durable, having played all 162 games in each of the past two seasons.”
Bowden’s evaluation highlights Alonso’s incredible consistency and durability — two traits that would appeal greatly to Seattle’s front office. The Mariners have struggled for years to find a long-term solution at first base, cycling through a number of players without a true anchor. Naylor’s arrival helped stabilize the position, but if he departs, Alonso represents the kind of middle-of-the-order presence who could elevate Seattle from a playoff team to a true championship favorite.
The intrigue deepens when considering Alonso’s uncertain future in New York. While he has expressed affection for the Mets and their fanbase, his comments about his contract situation suggest that he may be open to a new chapter elsewhere.
“But again, we’ll see what happens,” Alonso said when asked about his upcoming free agency. “I love it, it’s great, but you can’t really predict anything. And for me… I am focused on trying to put this thing across the finish line. I haven’t really thought about the free agent thing until we’re talking about it right now. It would be great to stay. But, again, whatever happens, happens. I can’t get a crystal ball. I wish I could, but we’ll see.”
That uncertainty creates a potential opening for Seattle. The Mariners have financial flexibility, a strong young core, and a clear desire to contend. They are also known for their aggressive front office strategy when they see a chance to make a major addition. Alonso’s combination of raw power, durability, and marketability could make him exactly the type of star Dipoto targets to keep the Mariners among baseball’s elite.
From a baseball standpoint, Alonso would be an ideal replacement for Naylor — perhaps even an upgrade. His right-handed power would complement the left-handed bats of Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh, giving Seattle a more balanced lineup. T-Mobile Park, known for its pitcher-friendly dimensions, has historically challenged power hitters, but Alonso’s ability to drive the ball to all fields could make him one of the rare sluggers capable of thriving there.
Off the field, Alonso’s leadership and competitive edge would fit seamlessly into the Mariners’ clubhouse culture. Seattle’s recent success has been built on chemistry — a blend of young talent and veteran guidance. Alonso, a former Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star, has experience performing on big stages, and his enthusiasm for the game could mesh well with the youthful energy of players like Rodríguez and J.P. Crawford.
The challenge for Seattle will be financial. Alonso is expected to command a massive contract, likely in the range of $150–200 million depending on the market. The Mariners have traditionally been cautious with long-term deals, but their willingness to push closer to the luxury tax in recent years shows a shift in philosophy. Ownership understands that this is a rare window — one in which their roster, their fanbase, and their momentum all align. A marquee signing like Alonso could solidify that window for years to come.
From Alonso’s perspective, Seattle might also be appealing. The Mariners have proven they can win, they have a talented young core, and they play in a division that remains competitive but not insurmountable. A move to the Pacific Northwest could give him the chance to lead a team on the rise rather than one still finding its direction, as the Mets continue to navigate a complex rebuild under president David Stearns.
Of course, none of this would be happening if not for Naylor’s uncertain status. His impact in just a few short months with the Mariners cannot be overstated. After arriving from Cleveland, he brought infectious energy, consistent clutch hitting, and an emotional spark that resonated with both teammates and fans. His gritty style — famously playing through neck pain during the postseason — endeared him to Seattle faithful. That’s why his social media comment hit so hard: it sounded like a goodbye from a player who left everything on the field.
If Naylor does move on, the Mariners will face more than just an on-field loss. His chemistry with the clubhouse, particularly with Rodríguez and Raleigh, was a major factor in their playoff success. Replacing that kind of leadership isn’t easy. However, adding a player like Alonso could help maintain that emotional balance — he’s known for his intensity, professionalism, and love of competition.
Looking ahead, the Mariners’ offseason strategy will likely center on two priorities: keeping their pitching staff elite and bolstering their offense with another impact bat. They already boast one of baseball’s best rotations, led by Luis Castillo, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert. What they need now is more consistent run production, particularly against top-tier pitching — an area where Alonso excels.
Adding Alonso wouldn’t just replace Naylor’s production; it would elevate Seattle’s entire offensive ceiling. Imagine a lineup featuring Julio Rodríguez, Pete Alonso, Cal Raleigh, and J.P. Crawford — a formidable core that could challenge any pitching staff in the league. Combined with a deep bullpen and one of the sport’s most balanced rotations, that’s a recipe for another deep October run — and perhaps this time, a World Series berth.
For now, all eyes remain on Naylor’s decision. If his goodbye truly means goodbye, the Mariners will pivot quickly, and Alonso will likely be at the top of their list. The front office knows the importance of keeping momentum alive — not just on the field, but within a fanbase that has waited far too long for a championship.
In many ways, Seattle’s 2025 season marked the beginning of a new era. The team found its identity, its stars matured, and the city rediscovered its love for baseball. Whether Josh Naylor stays or goes, the Mariners’ commitment to winning is clear. And if Pete Alonso ends up anchoring first base next spring, Seattle’s dream of returning to the World Series might not be far off.
Ultimately, this offseason could define the Mariners’ future. With Naylor’s fate uncertain and Alonso potentially available, the organization faces a moment of truth. Will they double down and make a blockbuster move to keep their championship hopes alive? One thing is certain — the Mariners are no longer content with “almost.” After coming so close in 2025, they are ready to take that next step, and Pete Alonso could be the final piece that pushes them all the way to the Fall Classic.
