As the offseason progresses, most MLB fanbases have a clear sense of their team’s direction. Whether it’s rebuilding for the future or gearing up to contend, there’s an overarching strategy in place. For Mariners fans, the vibe feels all too familiar — in position to compete, but not enough to break through.
Still, a silver lining might be found in knowing there are teams having a worse offseason than the Mariners, which could help Seattle fans cope with the frustration.
Even while boasting one of the best starting rotations in the league, the Mariners’ front office seems content on slowly moving the needle rather than seizing opportunities. Discontent has fueled bold ideas from fans and analysts alike. Among them, Seattle Sports radio host Mike Salk proposed a move: trade ace Luis Castillo for infielder Bo Bichette, sign Pete Alonso, and offload one of the Mitches — Haniger or Garver — to free up additional payroll. On paper, it might sound far-fetched, but let’s break it down.
Could a Castillo-Bichette swap and Alonso signing transform the Mariners’ future?
It's hard to argue that a one-for-one swap of Castillo for Bichette wouldn't make sense. The immediate benefit for the Mariners would be shedding $6.5 million in payroll while filling a critical need for a dynamic offensive player in the infield. Sure, Bichette is coming off a down year, but his underlying metrics suggest a rebound is likely. He hits the ball hard, has had success at T-Mobile Park, and embodies the type of aggressive, high-contact approach the Mariners need in their lineup. While losing Castillo would hurt, the Mariners have the depth to fill the fifth spot in the rotation internally. The bigger gamble would be banking on Bichette’s ability to return to All-Star form.
The market for Alonso has not been hot, to say the least. It’s created a potential value opportunity for Seattle. A three-year, $70 million deal with opt-outs, as proposed by Salk, might get it done. Given T-Mobile Park’s reputation and recent findings, it’s clear that it’s not a hitter's paradise. We would suggest some additional incentives, such as performance bonuses or a no-trade clause to sweeten the deal and lure Alonso to the Pacific Northwest.
To make room financially, either Haniger or Garver would need to be moved. Haniger’s contract offers more savings, but Garver might have more trade value, particularly for a team in need of a platoon catcher or designated hitter. Neither player’s recent performance inspires much confidence, so the Mariners would likely need to attach a prospect to incentivize a deal.
The unfortunate reality is that the Mariners’ front office has shown little inclination to make sweeping changes, especially after a late-season surge in 2024 that saw the team at the top of the majors in OPS (3rd) and WRC+ (2nd). They’re banking on internal development and the continued success of players like Victor Robles, as well as the positive impact Edgar Martínez and Dan Wilson have brought into the mix.
The idea of moving Castillo isn’t entirely outlandish. An MLB insider's persuasive Mariners-Orioles trade proposal highlights the kind of bold moves Seattle should consider, even if it comes with some risk. While the Blue Jays remain a logical trade partner due to their struggles to lock Bichette into a long-term deal, this is the type of scenario worth monitoring as Opening Day approaches.