Infielder Josh Rojas has signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox that could see him earn up to $1 million in performance bonuses on top of his $3.5 million salary. The agreement, announced on January 8, outlines a structure where Rojas can receive $500,000 based on the number of games played, with additional incentives linked to his plate appearances.

Last season, Rojas played 143 games with the Seattle Mariners, where he posted a .225 batting average, alongside eight home runs, 31 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. His performance led to free agency after the Mariners opted not to extend a 2025 contract offer.

The Seattle Mariners are at a crossroads with infielder Josh Rojas as the non-tender deadline approaches. With two years of team control remaining, the Mariners are weighing their options, including potentially non-tendering him to save costs.

Rojas, acquired in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks, has had a mixed performance, finishing last season with a .225 batting average. The Mariners could choose to keep him, negotiate a lower pre-tender deal, trade him, or let him go altogether.

The Seattle Mariners are facing a critical offseason decision regarding their second base position, which has seen a variety of players since Robinson Cano's departure in 2018. With the likelihood of declining Jorge Polanco's $12 million option due to his poor performance and injury issues, the team is exploring alternatives.

In-house candidates include Ryan Bliss and Cole Young, while Josh Rojas could also be shifted to second base. An intriguing new option is Hyesong Kim from the Kiwoom Heroes, a promising infielder known for his solid hitting and defensive skills. As the Mariners prepare for the future, they aim to enhance their lineup and reduce strikeouts.

Recent reports indicate that the Seattle Mariners are likely to decline the team option for second baseman Jorge Polanco for the 2025 season. Acquired from the Minnesota Twins, Polanco struggled with injuries and performance, hitting just .213 over 417 at-bats this past season.

Despite some trade successes, the Mariners have faced challenges in securing a consistent second baseman since Robinson Cano's departure. If they opt not to retain Polanco, internal candidates like Cole Young and Ryan Bliss could step in, while the team may also consider acquiring a third baseman.

The Seattle Mariners finished the 2024 season with an 85-77 record, missing the playoffs once again. As they prepare for 2025, financial considerations are at the forefront, with uncertainty surrounding roster development and potential external acquisitions.

Recent salary arbitration projections indicate significant raises for several players, raising questions about how the organization will navigate these increases. Key players like Luis Urias and Sam Haggerty may face non-tendering as the team evaluates its budget and strategy moving forward.