The Seattle Mariners are in a critical phase as they approach the 2025 season, with Opening Day set for March 27. The team is actively seeking to fill gaps at second and third base, and they are also looking for a first baseman to complement Luke Raley. However, as of late December, they have not made significant progress in addressing these needs.
During the Winter Meetings, there was speculation about a potential trade involving veteran pitcher Luis Castillo and Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas, but that deal did not materialize. The Mariners have since missed opportunities to secure other first base options such as Christian Walker, Carlos Santana, Josh Naylor, and Paul Goldschmidt, as well as second base candidate Gleyber Torres.
With a payroll cap of $16-20 million for 2025, the Mariners might have to turn to trade possibilities to solve their roster dilemmas. A possible avenue could be rekindling discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding first baseman Yandy Diaz. Seattle had previously shown interest in Diaz before the trade deadline, and with Tampa Bay's interest in Mariners prospect Harry Ford, this could lead to a mutually beneficial deal.
Diaz is contracted for $10 million in 2025, with a club option for 2026, while fellow infielder Brandon Lowe is owed $10.5 million. The Mariners may consider moving Harry Ford, a top prospect who had a solid season in Double-A, as part of a trade package. Ford, who has been recognized as a top 100 prospect, could be key to addressing the Mariners' ongoing infield challenges.
