Mariners Face Key Offseason Roster Decisions

The Mariners declined their mutual option on catcher/DH Mitch Garver, making him a free agent and triggering a $1 million buyout after he hit .187 with a .632 OPS in Seattle. Top prospect Harry Ford is poised to assume primary catching duties, and the club faces pivotal decisions on impending free agents Eugenio Suárez, Josh Naylor and Jorge Polanco — all key contributors to Seattle’s ALCS run. To clear payroll the Mariners could promote Colt Emerson at third and are believed to have increased spending power this winter. Seattle could prioritize re-signing Naylor and Polanco but may also pursue a marquee bat such as Alex Bregman, a move that could require moving salary like Luis Castillo’s. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers, fresh off repeating as World Series champions, are expected to aggressively pursue bullpen reinforcements and outfield bats after bullpen issues and Michael Conforto’s failed reclamation attempt.