Mariners roster projection 1.0: Former Royals top prospect snags roster spot

Second base: Jorge Polanco

Scott Servais has not had an everyday second baseman since Robinson Cano left town in a blockbuster trade with the Mets. That should all change this year with the 30-year-old Polanco. The former Minnesota Twin brings a unique contact and power blend that slots nicely in the three-hole behind Julio Rodriguez. 

Injuries will be a concern as Polanco had not played an entire season since 2021 when he was a 4-win player. 

Shortstop: J.P. Crawford

Crawford, the Mariners' vocal leader, took his game to another level last season thanks to an offseason spent at Driveline. The result was nearly a 5-WAR season from a guy playing a premium position. Additionally, he achieved career highs in multiple categories, including homers, runs batted in, and on-base percentage, to name a few. 

The 29-year-old shortstop is in the middle of his prime, which means there is probably even more in the tank. 

Third base: Luis Urias, Josh Rojas 

Even though there was smoke as recent as last week regarding Matt Chapman, the Mariners seem all in on a Rojas-Urias platoon at the hot corner. Urias suffered through an injury-riddled 2023 with Milwaukee and Boston, amounting to only .1 WAR in 52 games. Servais is banking on a return to 2021-2022 Urias when he was a two-win player for the Brewers. 

Rojas was a part of the oft-panned Paul Sewald trade with Arizona and performed well, slashing .271/.321/.721 in 46 games.