Mariners Face Key Free Agency Decisions After ALCS Loss

The Seattle Mariners experienced a bittersweet 2025 season, finishing with a 93-69 record and narrowly missing their first-ever World Series appearance after a heart-wrenching loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. Key acquisitions at the trade deadline, first baseman Josh Naylor and third baseman Eugenio Suárez, were instrumental in the team's playoff run, but both players face uncertain futures as they enter free agency, with the Mariners potentially unable to retain both due to financial constraints. The New York Mets have shown interest in Naylor as a possible replacement for Pete Alonso, while Suárez is linked to the Mariners, Los Angeles Angels, and Pittsburgh Pirates, though an insider suggests Suárez’s time in Seattle may be ending. To fill potential roster gaps, especially at third base if Suárez departs, Seattle is considered a top candidate to sign Japanese power hitter Munetaka Murakami, who boasts a record-breaking home run total in Japan and is expected to be posted this winter. Murakami’s power hitting could bolster the Mariners' lineup as they aim to build on their recent success and make a deeper postseason run. The offseason promises to be competitive, with Seattle navigating a crowded market for corner infielders amid high-profile free agency moves across the league.