Mariners focused on third base, update on key reliever and more

A report indicates where the Mariners are focusing their external search, Matt Bash is looking good in rehab, and news about some promotions.

We might still be more than two months away from pitchers and catchers reporting for spring training in Arizona, but there’s still plenty going on with the Seattle Mariners. Here’s a rundown of the latest news concerning the club, including trade speculation, an important injury update and the announcement of some internal promotions.

Third base takes center stage for the Mariners

The reality is the Mariners need a whole host of upgrades in their infield, in order to help the lineup better compliment arguably the best rotation in the Majors. This includes aiming to bring back Justin Turner or look at Carlos Santana, to play at first base.

However, it seems as if the main aim of the Mariners’ external search for options will be to focus on upgrading third base. At least according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, in an article he wrote for The Athletic on Monday (subscription required).

Given Jerry Dipoto’s history, the belief is that any upgrade at third base is more likely to come via a trade as opposed to free agency. This makes even more sense, when you consider the speculation that the Mariners apparently have around $15 million of extra/free payroll to work with.

One possible candidate being mentioned is Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies, who is projected to earn around $8.1 million next year via salary arbitration and then has one more season of club control in 2026. Bohm certainly had his struggles this past season after a scorching hot April, but he did hit 97 RBI for a second consecutive year and was named to his first ever MLB All-Star Game.

What about second base?

There’s a lot of uncertainty at second base, after the decision to decline the 2025 club option on Jorge Polanco. No one expected things to turn out how they did, with him having his worst ever season in 11 years of Major League action.

So, what will the Mariners do to upgrade the position? Well, Rosenthal writes that the ball club believes it has a handle on the situation, thanks to their internal options.

More specifically, we’re talking about Ryan Bliss and Dylan Moore. Bliss made his Major League debut in 2024 and played all or part of 25 games at second base, while Moore is better-suited as a utility player, which was perfectly highlighted by winning his first Gold Glove under this designation.

The key to all this though is Cole Young, who was selected 21st overall in the 2022 draft. Projections have him ready to make his Major League debut at some point during 2025, and he’s a top-rated Major League prospect who’s expected to be around long-term in Seattle.

It should be noted that another potential internal option is Josh Rojas. In any event, the Mariners seem confident enough about remaining in-house to resolve the gap at second base.

Ahead of schedule

There was a lot of disappointment, when it was announced that Matt Brash would miss the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He was a key arm in the bullpen, and at the time it was suggested he would not return to action until around June of next year.

Well, now it seems that there is a good chance that Brash will be back sooner, to help the Mariners’ quest to get back into the playoffs. As per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, the reliever is now ahead of schedule in his rehab.

In October, we wrote about how Brash was back on the mound and throwing, which seemed to be a source of encouragement. Now, as per Jude, the Mariners are optimistic he could return to the ball club by the end of April, which would be remarkable under the circumstances.

The 2019 fourth round draft pick was tremendous during 2023, in his second year in the Majors with the Mariners. He led all Major League relievers with 78 appearances, while producing a 3.06 ERA, 2.26 FIP and 107 strikeouts in 70.2 combined innings.

To have Brash back with the likes of Andres Muñoz and Gregory Santos — who himself had injury problems during this past season — would be an excellent boost for the Mariners. The bullpen did well as it was in 2024, ranking ninth in the Majors with a 3.71 ERA, fourth with a 1.17 WHIP and second with a .215 batting average.

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Announcement of some Mariners business promotions

Finally, we turn to some news which probably won’t excite fans too much, but is still worthy of note. As announced by President of Business Operations Kevin Martinez, the Mariners have promoted five people within the business operations department as follows:

• Gregg Greene promoted to Sr. Vice President, Marketing and Communications
• Jeff Higgins promoted to Vice President, Technology Solutions
• Ben Mertens promoted to Vice President, Creative and Content Services
• Chris Savio promoted to Vice President, Corporate Partnerships & Business Development
• Mandy Sundblad promoted to Vice President, Marketing and Fan Engagement

Martinez, who himself was promoted to his current position in October, is understandably happy with the moves. As per a press release, he said:

“The strength of the Mariners organization is our people. Gregg, Mandy, Chris, Jeff, and Ben have demonstrated a tremendous commitment to our organization and our continuing efforts to serve our fans, communities, and partners at the highest level. I’m thrilled to add this group of passionate, talented, and creative co-workers to our leadership team and to congratulate them on these well-deserved promotions.”

For Greene in particular this is a special and deserving moment for him, having spent 27 seasons with the Mariners organization. We of course wish all five the best of luck in their new roles.

With the Maines apparently focused on third base in their search for external options, who would you like to see them realistically pursue? What are your thoughts about the internal options at second base, particularly until Young is ready to play? Let us know in the comments section below.