4 Mariners who could be non-tendered this offseason

Now that Seattle is fully in offseason mode, the front office has a lot to consider heading into 2026. Primarily, they'll have to balance the budget in a way that doesn't break the bank while also leading to a strong product on the field. Before they begin to think about which free agents to pursue or trades to make, they'll have to focus on the non-tender deadline, which will be on November 21st.

Non-tendering a player means declining to offer them a contract for next year, effectively making them a free agent before they reach the typical service time requirement. This is often done when one's projected performance doesn't quite meet their financial demands. Based on projected arbitration salaries, here are a few names on the Mariners who may end up costing more than they're worth.

Tayler Saucedo

Projected 2026 arbitration salary: $1.1 million

Saucedo's season had more downs than ups. He pitched to a 7.43 ERA over 13.1 innings. Limited by shaky performances and injuries, he failed to establish a foothold in Seattle's bullpen despite its need for more left-handed options. With an average fastball velocity of just 90.9 mph, Saucedo depends heavily on a diverse arsenal of pitches to induce soft contact. This year, his sinker and changeup were missing big and finding opposing barrels with far too much frequency.

$1.1 million isn't much above the league minimum of $760,000, but at 32 years old, his effective window is closing fast. Even if his salary ends up as pocket change, he would take up a valuable roster spot that could be allocated to someone else. At best, he could sign a new contract with the team at a cheaper price, but he's more likely to be excluded than included in next year's roster.

Trent Thornton

Projected 2026 arbitration salary: $2.5 million

Thornton was given more of a leash than Saucedo, but the results weren't that much better, especially since he threw more subpar innings. Over his 33 appearances, Thornton pitched to a 4.68 ERA with a 4.74 FIP. He has been declining since he posted a 2.01 ERA in 2023 and was traded to the Mariners at the deadline. One would be correct to point out his 2023 FIP was suspiciously high at 4.24, which is only more evidence that he may no longer be an impactful option in the bullpen.

Thornton didn't have a specific weakness but was about average in several areas. He didn't miss many bats, didn't have incredible stuff, and walked 7.8 percent of hitters. Like Saucedo, he throws a wide array of pitches, but none stand out as being particularly dominant. To make matters worse, he's 32 years old and sustained a torn Achilles in August, a serious injury that could further hamper his pitching. He too could sign a cheaper deal but is also more expendable than some of the other arbitration-eligible players.

Gregory Santos

Projected 2026 arbitration salary: $800,000

The Mariners haven't made many bad trades in the past few years, but Gregory Santos definitely stands out as one that didn't pan out. Seen as a hard-throwing sinkerballer with plenty of upside, he has simply failed to stay healthy. A lat strain sidelined him for much of 2024 before bicep inflammation sent him back to the injured list and held him to just 7.1 innings of work. This year, he was shelved due to right knee inflammation before receiving surgery that further delayed his return to action. Although a return was teased, he never pitched after April 15th and ended the regular season with a 5.14 ERA over 7.0 innings pitched.

Santos still has some things going for him. He's 26 years old, making near league-minimum, and there isn't enough of a sample to completely rule him out. Still, after a total of 14 innings in two seasons, Seattle may want to rid themselves of the injury-prone arm and open a roster spot for someone new.

Luke Raley

Projected 2026 arbitration salary: $1.8 million

To some, Raley could be seen as an example of right place, wrong time. He was one of the most valuable members of the team in 2024, but injury problems this year coincided with the Mariners starting to lock down their outfield core of Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodríguez, and Victor Robles. With Josh Naylor taking over at first base full time, Raley was left with no place to go. To make matters worse, he was ineffective when he did receive playing time, posting an 85 OPS+ and -4 Defensive Runs Saved at first base.

It's hard to justify paying a player nearly $2 million to be a below-average bat and glove with no position of strength. Depending on how free agency goes this offseason, he could get a few more chances at first base. But given how much more Seattle has been with a real first baseman in the position, his time with the team is likely drawing to a close.