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It's always fun to dream, isn't it?
Because it's the offseason, and because the Mariners appear to be willing to spend more money than usual this offseason, let's imagine what the lineup could look like if they would be willing to push their payroll closer to the $244 million luxury tax threshold for next year.
Here's what that lineup would look like, and why.
Constructing the Mariners' dream lineup for the 2026 season
Batting 1st: Josh Naylor, 1B
He makes great contact, he can draw walks, he can run the bases well, and he has some pop. What more could you ask for in a leadoff hitter?
Seriously, Naylor should be considered at the leadoff spot next year. Julio Rodríguez and Randy Arozarena have both struggled in that spot, so why not give Naylor the opportunity to show what he can do?
Batting 2nd: Julio Rodríguez, CF
Rodríguez would of course be back on the dream lineup, and batting second. He's one of the best all-around players in the MLB, and would thrive hitting behind Naylor and in front of a superstar plucked off the free-agent market.
Batting 3rd: Kyle Tucker, RF
That's right. This dream lineup involves a new addition to the team in Kyle Tucker. He would be a massive upgrade over Dominic Canzone and Victor Robles in right field, and would bring championship experience to Seattle. There's no world where the Mariners should not at least attempt to bring Tucker in. He would instantly make the lineup, and the team, significantly better.
Tucker's market value is currently estimated by Spotrac to be around $40.2 million per year. That would significantly push the Mariners' luxury tax payroll, which currently sits at a projected total of around $149 million. Signing Tucker would push it to around $190 million.
Batting 4th: Cal Raleigh, C
With Naylor, Rodríguez, and Tucker hitting ahead of him, Raleigh might never hit a solo home run again. Seriously, though, he would anchor this lineup from the cleanup spot, and would have a good chance to lead the league in RBI with these three in front of him, even if he doesn't hit 60 bombs again.
Batting 5th: Kyle Schwarber, DH
Because we are getting unrealistic here, let's get even crazier. Kyle Schwarber is the best DH option available, and would make lots of sense in Seattle. He wants to win a championship, and this team gives him the best chance of doing so. A team with his bat in the five hole might really be unstoppable.
Spotrac estimated Schwarber's market value around $25 million. If Seattle were to sign him on top of Tucker, it would push their payroll into the $215-$220 million range. It would be the highest payroll in Mariners' history, but still below the luxury tax threshold. It's doable, if the team can really commit to spending money.
Batting 6th: Randy Arozarena, LF
All the pressure would come off Arozarena if Dan Wilson could move him all the way down to the six hole. He would be able to play free, and not worry about carrying the offense, which probably brings out the best in him.
Batting 7th: Jordan Westburg, 3B
Westburg would need to be acquired via trade, and that could be accomplished by sending one of the Mariners' starting pitchers to Baltimore. In this world, we are prioritizing offense over everything else. Westburg was an All-Star at the hot corner in 2024, and while he's coming off a down year, he's still a great bounceback option. He's also cheap, which will help offset the costs of signing Schwarber and Tucker.
Batting 8th: J.P. Crawford, SS
Crawford settles into the eighth spot in the lineup in this scenario, with plenty of protection. He's there for his leadership and the occasional great defensive play, which is as much as the Mariners need from him at this stage of his career.
Batting 9th: Cole Young, 2B
Giving Cole Young another chance to win the second base job is what is best for the long-term future. He has a ton of potential yet to be unlocked, and the Mariners can't afford to bury that potential for another year of Leo Rivas. Young needs to have another shot at this, and the strength of the top six hitters gives Seattle the luxury to let him develop.