Josh Naylor-Mariners buzz may be a smokescreen for a different reunion

We seem to be entering a new era of Mariners baseball. The organization has stated that they're ready to spend more starting next year and it seems like they're finally acknowledging how competitive they can be. Seattle has already locked down key players like
Julio Rodríguez and Cal Raleigh on long-term deals, and even the next crop of prospects seems immensely encouraging. But if they want to take a step up from playoff participants to World Series contenders, they'll need all the help they can get.

For the first time in a while, the Mariners seem like they're ready to make a real push to retain some of the talent that is heading for the free market. With the second-half decline of Eugenio Suárez, it's doubtful that he'll get another contract with the team but Josh Naylor, the other major infield acquisition at this year's trade deadline, is undoubtedly the main focus of the front office this offseason. However, he's not the only impact infielder that could be brought back.

Following an outstanding bounce back year, Jorge Polanco could spend a few more seasons in Seattle

According to a recent article by Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Naylor may command the spotlight but Polanco might be the most likely to actually sign with the team. He already has a $6 million player option which he'll likely forego in lieu of a longer contract, but given his age (32 years old) and his checkered injury history, he probably won't get much more than a two-year contract.

This puts him in the same realm as Mitch Garver, who inked a two-year, $24 million contract after winning the World Series with the Rangers in 2023. If Polanco does end up going that route, hopefully he ends up being more productive than Garver, who will conclude his time as a Mariner with -0.2 rWAR and an OPS+ of 85. But like Garver, Polanco would likely be slated to spend most of his time as a designated hitter with a few appearances at second base, similar to his positional split in 2025.

Getting another 134 OPS+ season with 30 doubles and 26 home runs out of Polanco might be difficult, but Seattle seemed to have the right idea by giving him less defensive responsibility to keep him on the field. He made 524 plate appearances in 2025, the most of any season since 2021. Without Polanco taking the field, the Mariners still have plenty of existing options at second base including Cole Young, Leo Rivas, and even Miles Mastrobuoni.

A possible complication that could arise is that primarily playing as a DH would limit the amount of money Seattle would be willing to pay him, whereas other teams that need middle infield help could offer him a more lucrative contract and more responsibility. Even if this is the case, Polanco could decide to prioritize longevity and sticking around the big leagues for a few more years over slightly more money in the immediate.

From a disappointing trade acquisition to postseason hero, Polanco managed to do the impossible by endearing himself to fans after a brutal start to his time in Seattle. Should he choose to remain in the PNW, he seems to have found the secret to success that has eluded many of his predecessors. Sure, Josh Naylor may be a more appealing free agent target this offseason, but Polanco should warrant just as much interest from the team that he helped make great.