Divine Intervention: The 2026 HVH[HH] Seattle Mariners Offseason Plan

 

Depiction of the baseball gods presenting Stevil with the decalogue for the Mariners' 2026 offseason.

By Stevil, 7 November, 2025 A.D.

Following the Mariners' exodus from the postseason, I ascended through the clouds to the summit of Mount Rainier on a divine quest representing the house that Griffey built. The baseball gods descended from the heavens in fire and through the smoke they have spoken to thee. They wish to convey instructions for the Mariners' ownership, front office, and fans to follow this offseason—which must be honored and obeyed—and under no circumstances be circumvented or delayed. 

These are their ten commandments...

Stevil pictured while holding and translating the commandments to the local folk.

1. Thou shalt not reduce payroll.

2. Thou shalt extend contracts of the willing.

3. Thou shalt bolster thy defense.

4. Thou shalt not commit halfassery.

5. Thou shalt not sacrifice starting pitching.

6. Thou shalt be patient with hitting prospects.

7. Thou shalt strengthen thy bench. 

8. Thou shalt overhaul thy bullpen.

9. Thou shalt win the World Series.

10. Thou shalt have fun. 

Yes, the baseball gods have indeed spoken and their commands are definitive. HVHHH has been chosen to assist the Mariner front office on this quest for fan and player enlightenment. Here are our offerings...

Extensions:

1. Logan Gilbert, RHP; 5 years, 110 million (10m in 2026).

He's a core member of the Mariner Covenant and should remain one for his productivity and status as an apostle. This would keep Logan in the Empyrean Emerald City with Cal into the next decade and perhaps even into the after life. A no-trade clause might be necessary to keep Mariner ownership honest and we wouldn't have a problem with that.

2. Randy Arozarena, OF/DH; 3 years, 45 million. 

Seattle doesn't have any outfield prospects knocking on the door (heaven's door) and Righteous Randy's arbitration eligibility would otherwise get him paid in the 17-18m range. This would be a way to bring down the AAV and buy Seattle time to find their future left fielder. He'll likely end up in a DH/fourth outfielder role before the contract expires, but that's factored into the value of the extension. He would be paid for the use of his wooden staff. 

Free Agency:

1. Devin Williams, RHP; 1 year, 10 million +incentives (2m) +2-year, 24 million player option.

Williams was arguably better than his 2025 ERA and the nonsense that blasphemous Yankee fans spew. He deserves an opportunity for atonement and few places would give him the opportunity that Seattle can. The Mariners would have a much-needed closing and set-up alternative which would allow them to attack every late-inning leverage situation with late-inning leverage arms. No more false idols.

2. Miguel Andujar, OF/1B; 2 years, 12 million + incentives. 

Seattle's bench was a fly in the ointment for most of the season. They would probably be wise to boost their bench and they could do that by investing a little in a utility player who works well with wood to help at third, first, and the outfield corners. Andujar would be the messiah for this role. 

3. Pete Alonso, DH/1B; 5 years, 125 million (20m in 2026). 

Players that transform a lineup are a godsend and St. Peter is one of those players. Unfortunately, he's a godsend riding a golden chariot and defense isn't one of his offerings. Some call him the Apollyon of opponent's pitching, but his work is virtuous, and this is an opportunity put forth by the gods for Seattle to reach the promised land. To deny the gods would be reprehensible, even damming, and the Mariners can afford to make the commitment to bring St. Peter to Tabernacle Mobile Stadium. 

A Mariner offseason plan that doesn't have Naylor returning would be grounds for crucifixion at the hands of the wannabe Sanhedrin of Seattle sports. Would they feel the same if Naylor was replaced with a bigger offensive force? Answer: Only the foolish or the blind.

4. Drew Pomeranz, LHP; 1 year, 4 million +incentives (1m). 

Seattle showed Drew sympathy and kindness (never mind the contract clause), sending him to Chicago for an opportunity that wasn't present with Seattle at the time. The result was a resurrection of his career and now the time has come to return to the organization that put his best interests first for a regular relief role with a more luciferous salary. 

Trades:

1. Teddy McGraw, RHP, Michael Morales, RHP, and Ty Cleveland, RHP, to Chicago White Sox; Grant Taylor, RHP, to Seattle.

The profile of Grant Taylor should be kalos to Seattle and their fans. He could strengthen the bullpen brethren like few others. The Mariners would likely adjust his pitch usage and attempt minor adjustments, but even without any tinkering or miracles, they'd be getting a potential late-inning leverage arm. 

Chicago would be getting a pair of solid starting pitching prospects and a near-ready reliever with late-inning potential. All in all, a respectable trinity of prospects on the alter for a single reliever, but if more is needed, more could be sacrificed. 

 

2. Michael Arroyo, 2B, to Tampa; Tre' Morgan, 1B, and Ty Johnson, RHP, to Seattle.

Tre' Morgan has been an unheralded prospect in the Rays' system and they're flush with first base options. Tre' offers sanctiolquent defense and plate discipline which gives him an incredibly high floor. The 'Samson of St. Petersburg' may have been blessed with more power than the scouting reports show, as evidenced by the last month or so of the season, but his defensive strength and hair alone make the nickname fitting. 

There's more.

I had a vision that I've been reluctant to talk about, for I may have been intoxicated at the time, but I have foreseen Josh Judas Naylor selling out for thirty pieces of silver and departing for the Northeast. If this proves to be a reality, Seattle will need a new first baseman and Tre' could play a major role in Seattle's rise from a statistic in which they lurked within the depths of hell: Defense. They are now in baseball purgatory. 

Seattle's defense ranked 26th overall in baseball (27th in OAA). That certainly didn't help the pitching and the infield was the biggest culprit. First base was no exception and his would be one way to change that. 

Tampa will need a successor to Brandon Lowe. We told Erik Neander we would be laying in Tampa a stone, a keystone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame. That keystone is Michael Arroyo, and he's behind Rivas, Young, and Emerson in Seattle's middle-infield pecking order of MLB readiness, so why not anoint him with the humidity of Florida where he's needed for their middle infield and may prosper? 

Ty Johnson has a plus fastball and slider. If he can't develop his changeup, or add another outpitch, he'll be destined for a parochial vicar role within Seattle's pitching staff. In other words, a reliever. We're viewing him as such and we feel good about that. 

Neither Johnson nor Morgan have debuted yet and addressing first base with a rookie would be a bit of a gamble. But gambling is the Devil's game, so a deal with the Devil [Rays] seems appropriate. 

3. Carlos Vargas, RHP, to Detroit; Eduardo Valencia, C/1B, to Seattle.

Eduardo Valencia quietly gave the Mudhens excellent PAs and was expected to be a September call-up for the Tigers. They simply didn't have room for him. Seattle has a hole to fill following Garver's rapture to free agency. Valencia is out of options, and because there's no room for him in Detroit, he should be a trade chip. He has the kind of power that can part seas. Valencia posted an OPS north of 1.000. He was the Goliath of Toledo and he could be used at first base if needed. 

Carlos Vargas did a decent job for Seattle, but his stuff is similar to other Mariner relievers and he lacks a good fastball, which isn't a big deal, but limits him to the middle innings. Detroit needs middle-inning relievers, so Carlos could be a cherub in the Holy Motor City. You could toss in Santos, Raley, both, and/or someone else to make this happen and we'd still fell good about it. 

So, what might this do for Ford you ask thee? 

It would allow Seattle to preserve him in AAA where he would play every day. In makes little sense to burn his pre-arb years for a backup role in which he would likely play just once a week. He's not a DH. He doesn't have the power for that role and his value is primarily in his defense. That shouldn't even be a consideration and it likely won't be. 

But his calling may prove to be missionary work—permanent missionary work—for another organization in which the return addresses a bigger need for the greater good of Seattle. Time will tell and patience is a virtue. Keep in mind, he's just 22 years old.

 

4. Samad Taylor, 2B/OF, to Miami; Josh White, RHP, to Seattle. 

Joshua nearly brought down the walls in Jacksonville after conquering Pensacola. Few were better at missing bats than him and few batters in AAA would miss him as he answers the gods' calling to Seattle.

Samad was sthenic for Tacoma the last couple of years and his positional flexibility would an asset for a Miami team in need of right-handed hitting for the outfield and at second base. Devoted and faithful, Taylor has proven himself worthy of a better opportunity. 

5. Spencer Packard, OF/DH, to Pittsburgh; Brandan Bidois, RHP, to Seattle. 

The gods were clear that multiple relievers will be coming to Seattle: "These are coming from afar, these from the north and the west, and these from the land of Oz.". 

Bidois is an under-the-radar arm originally from south of the equator. He has an excellent fastball and curve, a cutter worth exploring more, and an absolutely wicked slider that are fanning the flames in hell, also known as Altoona. But there's too much good in him for a life of fire and brimstone. He should be fighting fire, which he would do as a member of Los Bomberos. 

Spencer Packard isn't without sin, and his primary sin is his lack of defensive value. But he can play an outfield corner humbly when needed and offers solid plate discipline as a LHH, both of which are needs for the Pirates and their perfidious fans in Pennsylvania. We see him as a solid fourth outfielder who can DH or pinch hit for a team that needs every bit of offensive help they can get and Pittsburgh fits that description.

 

Other Transactions:

1. Lay claim to Andrew Nardi, LHP, when/if non-tendered. 

This would be a revelation that we've anticipated.  Andrew the Southpawstle (actual nickname) was part of Miami's inner-circle of relievers before back issues decommissioned him in August of 2024. He's arbitration-eligible, but won't make much more than league-minimum and all of his options remain intact. He would serve as sacrosanct depth to start the season.  

Any other team attempting to snipe him would face the gods' wrath.

2. Add Cade Marlowe to the 40-man roster.

Cade redeemed himself in 2025 after having been designated for assignment and outrighted to what appeared to be an aión in Tartarus (Tacoma). He still has an option remaining and would continue to serve as depth. 

Offseason Assignments:

1. Ben Williamson.

Though we anticipate him getting the Lion of Judah's share of starts at third, he may be needed at short, therefore he should be prepared for the possibility.

2. Dominic Canzone.

Dominic had a great 2025 at the plate. Not so much in the field. He wasn't a total liability, but cleaning up his footwork and routes could take the clay off his feet, and you know what they say about cleanliness...

3. Tre' Morgan.

Tre' may never be needed to start on the grass, but his temple shouldn't be limited to first base. Though he has some experience in left, we'd like to see him more familiar within the yellow outfield pillars in the event that he's needed there, and Dagon it, we think he would be great defensively there, too. 

4. Miles Mastrobuoni.

His time with the Mariners may be short, but a little more familiarity at short and the outfield corners could yield more yaqar for the team as a player and eventual trade chip. 

5. J.P. Crawford.

He is and shall remain Seattle's shortstop... for at least the first months of the season. He's been Seattle's disciple on the dirt for 7 sacred years now. Another extension should be a point of focus at some point next year, or next offseason, but not as a shortstop. His future is at the keystone, therefore familiarizing himself with second base is crucial. 

6. Eduardo Valencia.

Eduardo split his time between first base and catcher and we would like to see him avail with this avodah under the doctrine of Edgar. 

Payroll:

Approximately 168 million, including buyout (1.75m).

Lineup

1. JP Crawford, SS L
2. Cal Raleigh, C S
3. Julio Rodríguez, CF
4. Pete Alonso, DH 
5. Randy Arozarena, LF 

6. Dominic Canzone, RF L

7. Tre' Morgan, 1B L
8. Leo Rivas 2B R/L
9. Ben Williamson, 3B 

Bench: Miguel Andujar (3B/1B/LF/RF), Miles Mastrobuoni (2B/3B/SS), Victor Robles (OF), Eduardo Valencia (C/1B/DH). 

Rotation

1. Logan Gilbert
2. Bryan Woo
3. George Kirby
4. Luis Castillo
5. Bryce Miller

Bullpen

1. Andrés Muñoz CL
2. Devin Williams CL2
3. Matt Brash
4. Gabe Speier L
5. Eduardo Bazardo
6. Drew Pomeranz L

7. Grant Taylor
8. Emerson Hancock/Josh White/Brandan Bidois

These are our offerings. The gods have blessed our plan. The team shall prosper, for if they diligently keep all these commandments which the baseball gods instruct the front office to do, to love the game itself, to walk in all its ways, and to cleave unto it, then the gods will drive out all of Canada's presence before Seattle, and ye shall posses greater Mariner baseball mightier than the Blue Jays or Astros' ever experienced themselves. 

***

Notes

* Miles Mastrobuoni is out of options and was reintroduced to shortstop late in the year, which makes him the most realistic, reliable and useful utility infielder for a bench role. This would likely be a temporary role as young players and prospects mature and get the call.  

* Andujar could start the season as Seattle's regular third baseman if Williamson doesn't appear ready with the bat. The bar is low, so it's not something we worry about much. He could just as well start in right field or at first base. 

* It should go without saying that we would be happy to see Naylor return. You'll have to forgive us for aiming for the heavens. 

* The second coming of Gesus Suárez was a welcomed one and his presence alone changed games for the better. He delivered big in several games, but overall, the production was well short of expectations and it's hard to vision a contract that he would accept that makes sense for Seattle with the lingering doubt they likely have. 

* Jorge Polanco may have had a career year in offensive production. He was especially effective with RISP and in high-leverage situations. He's not in this plan because we have a hard time believing he'll stay healthy and be just as productive in 2026 to justify the salary he'll likely command on a 2 or 3-year deal.

* Anyone who objects to the Arozarena extension suggestion will be promptly directed to the list of 2026-2027 free agent outfielders and reminded that the team option on Robles may be declined if he doesn't return to 2024 form next season. Acquiring good outfield help won't be easy anytime soon.

*We set out to address the infield defense, identify a DH, strengthen the bench (and roster in general) with experience and positional flexibility, overhaul the bullpen with multiple leverage arms, and get younger (and faster). Seattle needs to add impact, but that doesn't necessarily mean power. Shut-down relievers and hitters that offer quality PAs with RISP and in high leverage situations can impact a game. We think this plan would accomplish these needs. Of course they'd be getting power as well with Alonso and Valencia.

* Speaking of infield defense, we can envision (keyword: can) an infield with a number of possibilities, including one with Emerson at short. We're aware that the seemingly most likely fit for him would be at third, thank you. 

* It could be Canzone or Robles starting in right field. We would prefer Robles, because of his defense, but right now a platoon seems more likely. We'll see how things play out in spring.

* Players not listed here that are currently on the 40 and out of options would be traded for minor league depth, throw-ins for a bigger trade, non-tendered, or designated for assignment.  

* The starting pitching depth would/should initially start with Evans and Díaz, plus a veteran on a minor league deal that we didn't bother trying to identify, and the depth would presumably include Jurrangelo Cijntje by mid-season. We're not anticipating Kade Anderson's debut and neither should you. That said, it would be a welcomed surprise. 

* Minor league deals would be needed for further depth all around, especially pitchers.

* What we expect is far different. Though a trade involving Ford wouldn't be surprising, we're not expecting 7 or 8 new players on the active roster. Hollander himself stated they're hopeful they can keep this team mostly together. This isn't a plan reflecting what we think is likely, it's a plan that we feel is at least semi-realistic and could get Seattle to the World Series. Running out the same, general roster seems like a good way to fall short again. The mantra for the offseason should be 'World Series!'. 

* Alternative free agent relief pitchers for this plan: Robert Suárez, Pete Fairbanks, Brad Keller, and Caleb Thielbar. We are open to the idea of Ryan O'Hearn as a potential option at DH/RF/1B. We're open to acquiring a starting pitcher that offers innings as well, whether it be via trade or free agency. 

* Any biblical puns you think you're catching are strictly a coincidence. 

* The fact that we targeted multiple relievers with options (and high ceilings) is no coincidence. Seattle lacked flexibility as much as they lacked leverage in 2025. That has to change, and after a deep postseason run, it's even more important to have fresh(er) leverage arms and depth. If you disagree, take it up with Jehovah. 

Yeah, that's what I thought.