The most painful trade the Mariners could make at the Winter Meetings

The Mariners got off to a hot start after signing Josh Naylor to the first big free agent contract of the winter. Recently, they continued their streak of hot activity by trading away Harry Ford, one of the system's top prospects of the past few years. They've demonstrated a clear focus on winning now, which means the front office likely isn't done yet.

But Mariners fans know that there's no such thing as a free lunch. The recent roster additions are encouraging, but without a more concrete dedication to increased payroll, cuts are inevitable. Assuming Seattle still wants to pursue a starting third baseman, it would make sense for them to trade away one of their pricier players, and the person who fits the bill the most could be in left field.

With Harry Ford gone, Randy Arozarena could be the franchise's most valuable trade piece

Randy Arozarena is projected to cost a pretty penny in 2026. MLB Trade Rumors estimates that he'll be paid around $18.2 million after arbitration, which would make him the third-most expensive player on the team behind Julio Rodríguez ($20.19 million) and Luis Castillo ($24.15 million).

Arozarena was one of the most valuable members of the team by fWAR (2.9) and wRC+ (120) in 2025, but the wheels of his season came off starting in August. From August 1st through the remainder of the regular season, he posted a meager .641 OPS across 52 games.

Given his cost, the concerns about his consistency, and his impending free agency in 2027, Arozarena makes the most sense as a trade leverage piece. The Mariners don't plan on moving any of their sought-after starting pitchers, and Daniel Kramer of MLB.com posited that Randy has a chance of being moved.

Seattle does have some depth that could be slotted into left field. Dominic Canzone would be the team's first substitute option and, if he somehow sticks around for next year, Luke Raley could also fill the gap if needed. Alternatively, the Mariners could acquire a younger, more affordable player with more team control and upside, or even look to elevate a top prospect like Lazaro Montes.

From a fan perspective, it wouldn't be an easy trade to swallow if it were to materialize, but it could unlock more success for the Mariners in the short and medium-term. Like the Harry Ford trade, it's difficult to see an exciting favorite be shipped off to a different team, but if it elevates the Mariners' ability to compete, it'd be difficult to argue against it.

Of course, it's much easier said than done to make a trade that results in winning more, but Seattle's front office has a record of being on the correct side of transactions as of late. It's important to remember that roster construction is more of an art than a science. Luckily, the Mariners have had a pretty good brushstroke over the past few years and they could deliver their next masterpiece in 2026.