The Seattle Mariners may not be finished making significant roster moves, even after a relatively quiet offseason for the reigning American League West champions.
So far, Seattle’s most notable moves have come in the form of familiar faces and complementary additions. Bringing back Josh Naylor and adding Rob Refsnyder have helped reinforce the roster, but questions remain—particularly in the infield. Concerns at second and third base have lingered throughout the offseason, especially after the departure of Eugenio Suárez, who provided a major power presence at third base. While a reunion with Suárez has not been ruled out, it appears increasingly unlikely as time passes.
Internally, the Mariners are evaluating several young options. Cole Young, Ben Williamson, and Colt Emerson are currently competing for the open infield roles, with Emerson standing out as the organization’s top prospect. Still, relying solely on youth for two key positions could be risky for a team with championship aspirations.
Seattle has been linked to several potential trade targets in recent weeks, including Nico Hoerner, Brendan Donovan, and Alec Bohm, but none of those discussions appear close to materializing. With the trade market cooling, attention has begun shifting toward free agency as an alternative solution.
According to a recent Bleacher Report projection, Luis Arraez could emerge as Seattle’s opening-day second baseman. The three-time batting champion is coming off consecutive seasons leading the league in hits in 2024 and 2025. Between 2022 and 2024, Arraez finished inside the top 20 in MVP voting and earned two Silver Slugger awards, cementing his reputation as one of baseball’s elite contact hitters. Over the course of his career, he has also walked more times than he has struck out—an increasingly rare trait in today’s game.
Arraez is not without his critics. His lack of power is often highlighted, as he has totaled just 36 home runs in more than 800 career games. Still, his ability to consistently put the ball in play gives him real value, especially for a team built around power.
Former Mariners second baseman and current MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds recently weighed in on the debate, choosing Arraez over Paul Goldschmidt as a better fit for Seattle heading into 2026.
“I’ll take Luis Arraez,” Reynolds said. “I just think he’s going to impact my team (Seattle Mariners) a little bit differently at this point in time. Goldy put up more numbers than I thought, but 146 games to put up 10 home runs out of Goldschmidt, that’s not what I’m looking for for the team that I would need him to impact.”
The argument makes sense when looking at Seattle’s offensive profile. The Mariners hit 238 home runs in 2025, the third-most in MLB, despite playing in pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park. Even if Suárez does not return, the lineup still features significant power in Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena, and Josh Naylor.
What Seattle lacked, however, was consistent contact. The team finished the 2025 season with a .244 batting average, ranking 20th in baseball. Arraez, who hit .292 with the San Diego Padres last season, could help stabilize the top of the lineup and turn solo home runs into multi-run opportunities.
As the Mariners continue exploring ways to strengthen their infield, Arraez represents a different kind of upgrade one focused less on power and more on precision. If Seattle ultimately makes the move, it would signal a strategic shift aimed at balancing an already potent lineup with one of the best pure hitters in the game.
