Mariners' biggest roster decisions heading into the summer

We’re only a handful of games into the 2025 regular season, and so far, it feels like déjà vu for the Seattle Mariners.

The pitching staff, outside of Emerson Hancock’s early stumbles, has looked solid. But on offense, despite a clear philosophical shift toward a more contact-heavy, line-drive approach, the Mariners' only wins are still coming via the long ball. It's a bit ironic — and maybe a little frustrating — but a win is a win. 

Still, this team has some serious decisions to make heading into the summer. Let’s break down the biggest questions the Mariners front office will have to address soon.

Who makes way for relievers Matt Brash and Troy Taylor?

Seattle’s bullpen depth is both a blessing and a dilemma. Matt Brash and the promising righty Troy Taylor are nearing return or promotion, but the bullpen is already full. And there are few clean answers.

Gregory Santos, Tayler Saucedo and Jhonathan Díaz have minor league options remaining, but Santos is likely going nowhere and Saucedo and Díaz are valuable left-handed arms available to Dan Wilson limiting flexibility. Without an injury, someone may have to be DFA’d to make room.

Names like Carlos Vargas, Collin Snider, Eduard Bazardo, and Gabe Speier come to mind. But the most likely first cut? Trent Thornton. Despite some timely appearances, his inconsistency in high-leverage situations has been a concern. Bazardo and Snider should be safe.

Vargas is getting a long look and deservingly so. He’s the last remaining piece of the Eugenio Suárez trade and a valuable piece that could eat innings in case of another Hancock-like meltdown (too soon?).

Speier hasn’t looked like the 2023 version of himself either. While there are faint signs of a rebound, the leash is short. 

Ultimately, the Mariners may try to outright Thornton or Speier in the hopes they pass through waivers. Neither has lit it up enough going as far back as late last season to guarantee being claimed, which might just buy Seattle some time.

Do the Mariners trade Mitch Garver?

Mitch Garver’s early numbers are raising eyebrows. After a productive spring, he’s opened the season 1-for-12 with a walk and five strikeouts. It’s not panic-worthy just yet, but in a DH rotation that includes cold starts from Rowdy Tellez and Donovan Solano, things could get dicey really fast.

The X-factor here is Harry Ford. The prized prospect is immediately putting on strong performances in Triple-A, and if Garver doesn’t find his swing soon, the organization may be forced to accelerate Ford’s timeline. His bat, athleticism, and versatility are tough to ignore.

Garver still has value as Cal Raleigh’s backup, but that won’t be enough to save his roster spot if he can’t contribute at the plate. If the Mariners decide to roll with Ford, look for them to escalate trade scenarios for Garver before his value diminishes even further. 

The third base problem is hard to ignore

Jorge Polanco is doing exactly what Seattle hoped with the bat. He’s healthy, he’s hitting, and he’s playing with confidence. But in the field? There’s plenty of room for improvement.

The transition to third base hasn’t been smooth, and several early-season miscues have already come back to haunt the Mariners. His mobility and arm strength look limited, especially on deep plays to his right or coming across the diamond.

While Dylan Moore and Miles Mastrobuoni offer utility depth, neither brings enough offense to be a long-term answer.

That’s where 24 year old prospect Ben Williamson comes in. The slick-fielding third baseman in Triple-A has been flashing the elite defense that has defined his ascension through the minors. While he won’t match Polanco’s power, his glove might be the best at the position in the organization right now.

A scenario worth considering: move Polanco into a part-time DH role while platooning him at second with Ryan Bliss, and give Williamson a shot at stabilizing the hot corner defensively. It’s early, and the Mariners are right to hope Polanco can settle in — but right now, the warning signs are hard to ignore.

The Mariners are winning games in typical Mariners fashion — staying afloat and flashing glimpses of what this roster could become. But they’re already facing the same issues that have plagued them in recent years. The difference this time? Reinforcements are on the way. Young talent is knocking, and the pressure to contend in a tight AL West should push the organization to make some moves