Mariners lament defeat in ALCS, key decisions on the horizon

Seattle Mariners: Reflections After the Defeat and Looking Ahead

Despite the recent elimination in Game 7, the Seattle Mariners team, led by a group of key players, is already thinking about what’s next. Dan Wilson, visibly affected by the defeat, is still searching for the right words to describe the impact of falling just short of the World Series.

It hurts. I don’t know how long this pain will last. For many of us, it was a difficult way out, and a difficult way to end an exceptional season, which in a way overshadows many of the positive aspects that occurred.

Dan Wilson

The Mariners’ season was full of successes, including the American League West Division title since 2001. One of the highlights was the performance of Cal Raleigh, who became the seventh player in MLB history to hit 60 home runs in a season. This achievement, added to a solid campaign, positioned him as a strong contender for the American League Most Valuable Player award in his first season after signing a $105 million six-year contract.

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

Jerry Dipoto

With players like Raleigh and Julio Rodríguez signed long-term, the Mariners will need to make important decisions about free agents, including third baseman Eugenio Suárez and first baseman Josh Naylor, both acquired before the trade deadline. Dipoto indicated that the first base situation will be addressed, and that Naylor’s renewal is a priority.

You need that intensity. You need that drive. I think his drive to win is also incredible. And that’s what you’re going to need from all your guys, and that’s a big part of what he brought to this club.

Dan Wilson

Regarding third base, the Mariners could give the opportunity to rookie Ben Williamson, who debuted in 2025 and was the starting option before the arrival of Suárez.

We’re going to have to be a little more selective with how we deploy our young players, but they’re going to play an important role in what we do now and in the future.

Jerry Dipoto

Second baseman Jorge Polanco, for his part, has a player option for $6 million, but could get a larger contract after a recovery 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 clear that it does not want its most successful season in 49 years to be a fluke.

I don’t worry about that with our guys. Our guys are fighters. I think they’ve shown that time and time 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 you have to have to get to the World Series.

Dan Wilson