Upsetting reveal about Mariners payroll will further enrage fans ahead of 2025

Given the flurry of activity at the Winter Meetings that saw Juan Soto ink the largest contract in sports history, along with other major free agent deals and trades, it might be surprising to learn that the Seattle Mariners still haven't done much.

However, we've known that payroll has been a persistent issue and, in the face of decreasing broadcasting revenue, Seattle has no plans to increase spending from where it was in 2024.

This tight budget drastically limits their ability to build a competitive roster and, more importantly, does little to appease fans who have been waiting for a return to the postseason.

To make matters worse, payroll has effectively decreased given shifts in the economy and landscape of player compensation.

Seattle Mariners 2025 Payroll: Don't expect increases to current number

So what are the team's options? Clearly, spending more isn't in the cards, but there were five teams that spent less than the Mariners and still ended up making the playoffs: the Tigers ($97 million), Guardians ($105.2 million), Orioles ($109.3 million), Brewers ($114.2 million), and Royals ($122.6 million). They were able to accomplish this through savvy trades and great internal development programs, so can Seattle do the same?

On the trade front, Luis Castillo has been the main topic of many discussions and would bring back considerable value for his services, although it might be in the form of prospect equity rather than major-league talent. The front office was reportedly quite receptive to hearing offers but they're likely waiting for the right price before finalizing anything. The team could also trade away some of its prospects like Colt Emerson or Lazaro Montes if it deems it necessary, but that move might be unpopular amongst fans, especially after the latest updates regarding the Jonatan Clase trade.

On the internal development front, Seattle already has a great pitching program that has produced the most well-rounded rotation in MLB. While the hitting program left much to be desired, the organization has made key upgrades in an attempt to get it up to speed. There's no guarantee it will work in the short-term, but at the very least it's encouraging the Mariners know what their major weaknesses are.

So as Opening Day draws within 100 days, it might be a tough pill to swallow for Seattle fans that they won't be getting any major talent infusions for the upcoming season. It may still be enough to get through their divisional opponents given their recent moves, but they could also be in for another year of heartbreak and disappointment.