6 most likely Mariners to get traded during the 2025 season

The Seattle Mariners sent a clear message to their fanbase and the rest of the league this week: they’re committed to locking down their cornerstone players. With the six-year, $105 million extension for Cal Raleigh now official, the organization is setting the foundation for the future.

However, a deal of this magnitude doesn’t happen in a vacuum.

A franchise often associated with financial caution, the Mariners have major payroll decisions looming in 2026 and 2027. With young stars like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby still needing long-term deals and a desire to maintain competitiveness, the Mariners will have to clear space both in salary and roster flexibility.

That means some tough decisions are on the horizon, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that several key names may be wearing a different uniform sooner rather than later.

6 Mariners to get traded during the 2025 season

Mitch Garver

Garver signed a two-year contract worth $24 million prior to the 2024 season, with an average annual salary of $12 million and an option for 2026. While his offensive ability should've made him a solid piece for Seattle, his future with the team is in question.

If Garver starts this season strong, his bat will be valuable for contenders looking for a catcher/DH boost at the trade deadline. The Mariners have Raleigh locked in behind the plate and need to be mindful of future salary commitments, making Garver an obvious trade candidate if a good offer arises.

Jorge Polanco

Jorge Polanco was brought back on on a one-year, $7.75 million deal for this season as an infield placeholder. While he has the potential to provide short-term value, Seattle has prospects in the pipeline who could take his spot in 2026.

If Polanco has a strong first half, the Mariners will almost certainly look to flip him at the deadline. His positional flexibility and offensive upside make him an attractive trade asset for playoff-bound teams needing middle infield depth.

Luis Castillo

Castillo’s name has been swirling in trade rumors since the offseason, and while an early injury to George Kirby brings relief that a deal never came the fruition, the situation could still change quickly.

If Emerson Hancock proves to be a reliable rotation piece in Kirby’s absence, the Mariners may finally pull the trigger on moving Castillo’s hefty contract, which pays him $72.45 million through 2027. Offloading his money would free up significant financial flexibility, allowing Seattle to focus on extending its young pitching core. The market for frontline starters always heats up around the deadline and if a contender is willing to take on Castillo’s salary, the Mariners may have no choice but to listen.

Harry Ford

Ford may not have a major league salary weighing down the payroll, but he’s arguably one of the team’s most valuable trade chips. With Raleigh now secured as the franchise catcher for the foreseeable future, Ford’s path to Seattle’s starting lineup has been all but blocked.

While Ford has the athleticism to play elsewhere, the Mariners won’t hesitate to dangle him in trade talks for the right return. A premium catching prospect is a coveted commodity, and Ford could headline a blockbuster deal if Seattle looks to upgrade in other areas.

Randy Arozarena

Arozarena’s future in Seattle is uncertain, despite the outfield chemistry. He’s making $11.3 million and will only get more expensive in arbitration in 2026, which is his last season before he's slated to become a free agent.

While a midseason trade may be unlikely for this year unless the Mariners become sellers, next year's deadline looms as a more realistic window for a move. If Seattle falls out of contention this year, expect Arozarena’s name to be a hot topic in trade talks.

J.P. Crawford

Crawford has been a leader in Seattle and a fan favorite, but his contract situation and the Mariners’ farm system timeline paint an inevitable conclusion. With his five-year, $51 million deal expiring after the 2026 season, the team will face a decision: extend him or move him before he reaches free agency.

Given the top infield prospects in the system, the latter option is the most likely. If the Mariners struggle this season and pivot toward a retooling phase, Crawford could be a surprise deadline departure, a year ahead of schedule.

Seattle has signaled its commitment to its long-term vision, but that vision requires some financial and roster maneuvering. These potential moves will be difficult, but they are necessary to ensure the Mariners can keep their homegrown stars while staying competitive in the years to come. Whether these trades happen this season or not, Mariners fans should prepare for a shifting roster as the team continues to work toward sustained success.