Seattle Mariners Face Key Free Agent Decisions After ALCS Loss

The Seattle Mariners experienced a bittersweet 2025 season, winning their first AL West title since 2001 but falling short in the American League Championship Series against the Toronto Blue Jays. Manager Dan Wilson expressed the lingering sting of their near miss at the franchise's first World Series appearance, despite the outstanding season. Star catcher Cal Raleigh had a historic year, hitting 60 home runs and positioning himself as a strong AL MVP candidate, while Julio Rodríguez remains a key player signed through the decade. The Mariners face critical offseason decisions, especially regarding free agents like third baseman Eugenio Suárez and first baseman Josh Naylor, with a priority on retaining Naylor. Across MLB, teams like the Padres and Yankees are also preparing for significant roster moves, addressing needs such as backup catcher and rotation depth for the Padres, and roster trimming for the Yankees post-season. These moves underscore the competitive adjustments teams are making to position themselves better for the 2026 season.