Mariners Lament Defeat in ALCS: Crucial Decisions on the Horizon

Seattle Mariners Seek to Bolster Roster After a Standout Season

Despite the loss in Game 7, the Seattle Mariners team is focused on the future. After a season full of achievements, the team seeks to consolidate its success and aim for greater goals. Dan Wilson, visibly affected by the recent defeat, shared his feelings about the season. “It hurts,” commented Wilson, referring to the elimination in the American League Championship Series. “It was a tough way to end an exceptional season, which in a way overshadows many of the positive aspects we’ve had.” The Mariners’ season was full of memorable moments, including the American League West Division title, their first since 2001. Catcher Cal Raleigh had an impressive season, becoming the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs.

The number of records he started breaking was a phenomenal season. If it wasn’t the best season a catcher has had, it was certainly one of the two best. I don’t know what else he could have done.

Jerry Dipoto, President of Baseball Operations

While Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez have long-term contracts, the Mariners will need to make important decisions regarding free agents, such as third baseman Eugenio Suárez and first baseman Josh Naylor, who were acquired before the trade deadline.

Cal Raleigh became the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a season.The team will seek to strengthen the first base position, and Naylor’s renewal is a priority. “You need that intensity. You need that grit,” Wilson said of Naylor. “His desire to win is incredible. That’s what you need from all your players, and that’s a big part of what he brought to this team.” Regarding third base, the Mariners could give the opportunity to rookie Ben Williamson, who debuted in the Major Leagues in 2025. Second baseman Jorge Polanco has a player option for $6 million, but could get a larger contract after a comeback season.

I don’t want to answer for him. I imagine we’ll have to take a different route than the one already on the table.

Jerry Dipoto

Regardless of the decisions the Mariners make, the franchise is determined that their successful season will not be an isolated incident. “I don’t worry about that with our guys,” Wilson said. “Our guys are fighters. They’ve shown it time and again. And the way they played, particularly in September and towards the end of the season in the playoffs, these guys fight. That’s something you have to have, and that you have to have to get to the World Series.”