Mariners' postseason run reordered their free-agent priorities for MLB offseason

Going into the postseason, it seemed clear that signing Josh Naylor needed to be the Mariners' top priority this offseason. It made sense. He had hit like crazy since arriving in Seattle, and he was a long-term answer at first base, a position the Mariners have struggled to fill for a long time.

Sure, they got a few good seasons from Ty France and from guys like Logan Morrison and Justin Smoak in the early 2010s, but it's been a long time since the Mariners had a long-term slugger at first base. Naylor could be that guy, and there is no reason the Mariners should completely pivot from signing him to a long-term deal as a free agent this winter.

However, after how he performed in the ALDS and ALCS, there is a very real argument that Seattle's top priority should shift to Jorge Polanco. He was notably the hero against the Tigers in the Division Series and had an underrated regular season, one of the best of his career. Assuming he declines his $6 million player option, keeping him around might prove essential in 2026.

The Mariners need to prioritize retaining Jorge Polanco during the offseason

Polanco's two home runs against Tarik Skubal in ALDS Game 2 essentially won Seattle that game. Then, in Game 5, it was Polanco who knocked in the winning run with an RBI single in the 15th inning. Every man in the lineup had multiple opportunities to be the Game 5 hero, but it was the veteran Polanco who came through.

The 32-year-old then kept it rolling in the ALCS, at least in the first two games in Toronto. He knocked in the go-ahead runs in Games 1 and 2, including with a huge three-run homer in the later.

Obviously, Seattle hoped that Cole Young would be their long-term answer at second base, and he still could be. However, he's not ready yet. And letting Polanco walk in free agency only to roll out Young on Opening Day in 2026 would feel like a massive downgrade. Young could serve in a utility role until he is ready to take over second base. When Young is ready, Polanco could move back to third base or DH. Perhaps he could even learn some first base in the latter half of his career?

The point is, Polanco ended 2025 playing the best baseball of his career. He was key to the lineup in October, and if not for him, the team may not have lasted until Game 7 of the ALCS. The Mariners cannot let their long-term hopes for Young distract them from Polanco, who is good right now and can contribute to a winning team right now.