MLB Trade Rumors' J.P. Crawford projection should keep Mariners' door wide open

There were plenty of emotions when J.P. Crawford was pulled early from the 2026 season finale versus the Angels. He received a standing ovation from the T-Mobile Park crowd and hugged his teammates and the coaching staff, in what was meant to represent a farewell to his time with the Mariners. However, what if we told you there might be a way to justify bringing him back into the fold?

We understand there will be plenty of people who are just ready to turn the page on the Crawford era in Seattle. Sure he had his moments, including winning a Gold Glove in 2020 and producing a 5.2 bWAR in 2023, the highest ever in a season by a Mariners shortstop not named Alex Rodriguez. However, he just isn't the same player anymore particularly on defense, where he eroded to such a point that this past season he ranked in the third percentile for Fielding Run Value.

Still, what if Crawford were to return at a team-friendly discount? Because that's indirectly what MLB Trade Rumors have put on the table with their top 50 free agent predictions, by suggesting he's worth a two-year deal for $16 million. All things told, we'd be on board with the Mariners paying that kind of money to the 31-year-old and you have to figure he's be amenable to it, given his love for Seattle and preference to return.

Our first and main reason for doing this, is because Crawford is one of the leaders of the clubhouse as well as being extremely popular throughout the organization. After everything that happened this year, there is some concern about doing this sans such an important glue guy for the team. The Mariners will be aiming to bounce back in 2027 and contend once again, and surely they will be better-placed to do this with the 2016 16th overall draft pick still on board.

Only one real reason the Mariners should not pursue a reunion with J.P. Crawford

The second reason which makes a reunion with Crawford so appealing, is that he could really highlight his glue guy reputation by being the ultimate team player. He's no longer a given for the starting lineup, but would still have an important part to play, whether it be backing up Colt Emerson at shortstop, whoever's the main third baseman, or even somewhere else. This past season saw his willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good of the team, and there's no reason to suggest he won't continue in this vain if he returns.

Further, Crawford is still a decent OBP player who could move around in a similar fashion to Brendan Donovan. Although we specifically like the idea of him becoming a Brewers-esque cog at the bottom of the order. In other words, as a player who can lay down a bunt with a man on first, or pull a ground ball with someone on second.

Really, the only main reason not to bring Crawford back even in a depth role for the Mariners, is the aforementioned issues with his declining defense. Interestingly though, he did spend three stints on the Injured List in 2026 due to dealing with ongoing shoulder and wrist issues. Perhaps a full offseason -- which will likely be extended by the pending lockout -- to rest and recover will bring back enough arm strength to make him more serviceable defensively.

Overall, we again understand those who are ready to move on from Crawford, as the Mariners focus on returning to the winning consistency they displayed between 2021-25. However, we still believe he's a viable option, if he is going to sign for somewhere around what MLB Trade Rumors is projecting for him. Combine that with the intangibles he brings to the clubhouse, and it makes enough sense to pursue a reunion.

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