If you’ve spent any time on Mariners Twitter—or "X," or whatever we’re calling it this week—you know the vibe. It is a mix of terminal optimism and the deep, existential dread that only a Seattle sports fan can truly appreciate. We are currently sitting in the middle of January 2026, and the hot stove isn't just cold; it feels like it’s been shoved into a meat locker.
But here’s the thing about MLB rumors Seattle Mariners fans often miss: silence doesn't mean nothing is happening. It usually means Jerry Dipoto is currently deep in a fourteen-team trade proposal involving three minor league shortstops and a "player to be named later" who hasn't even been born yet.
Honestly, the situation right now is tense. The Mariners came within eight outs of a World Series trip in 2025. Eight outs. You don't just "run that back" and hope for the best. You get aggressive. But in Seattle, "aggressive" has a very specific, and sometimes frustrating, definition.
📖 Related: Why the 2004 NASCAR Nextel Cup Series Changed Racing Forever
The Brendan Donovan Obsession
Let’s talk about the name that won’t go away. Brendan Donovan.
According to Adam Jude at The Seattle Times, Donovan remains the "top priority." It makes sense on paper. The guy is a Swiss Army knife. He hits for a high average, he doesn't strike out, and he can play basically anywhere on the diamond. For a team that just watched Jorge Polanco walk away to the Mets on a two-year deal, the hole at second base is gaping.
But the price? Ouch.
Rumors have been swirling that the Cardinals want a king’s ransom. We’re talking about Jurrangelo Cijntje—the fascinatng switch-pitcher who everyone is hyped about—and potentially more. Is Donovan worth a top-tier pitching prospect? That’s the debate kept me up last night.
- The Pro-Trade Side: Donovan is a proven MLB hitter with years of control. He fits the "Control the Zone" mantra perfectly.
- The Skeptic Side: The Mariners' pitching lab is a miracle factory, but you can’t just trade away every arm and expect the well to never run dry.
There’s also a whispering campaign about Nico Hoerner from the Cubs. Jeff Passan mentioned the Giants were sniffing around him, but the Mariners have checked in too. Hoerner is a Gold Glover. He’s fast. He’s exactly what this lineup needs. But the Cubs just gave Alex Bregman $175 million, and they might not be in a hurry to subtract a winning player like Hoerner unless the return is overwhelming.
Why the "Big Fish" Keep Swimming Past Seattle
Every winter, we do this. We look at the Pete Alonsos, the Kyle Tuckers, and the Bo Bichettes of the world. We imagine them hitting bombs into the Edgar’s Cantina seats. And every year, they sign somewhere else.
Bo Bichette just went to the Mets for $126 million. Kyle Tucker is a Dodger. It hurts.
The reality of MLB rumors Seattle Mariners is that the front office rarely plays in the deep end of the free-agent pool. The Robbie Ray deal back in 2021 remains the only nine-figure contract of the Dipoto era. Instead, this team builds through trades and extensions for their own guys—like the massive 12-year commitment to Julio Rodríguez or the $105 million extension for Cal Raleigh.
Speaking of "Big Dumper," his extension is a huge part of the 2026 payroll puzzle. He’s set to make $11 million this year, but with his signing bonus, the luxury tax hit is closer to $12.67 million. When you add that to Julio’s $18 million and the arbitration raises for guys like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, the "available" cash starts to shrink fast.
The Secret Trade Chips Nobody Talks About
While everyone is looking at the top 100 prospect lists, keep an eye on the 40-man roster churn. The Mariners just traded for Yosver Zulueta from the Reds. To make room, they DFA’d Samad Taylor.
It’s a minor move, sure. But it shows the strategy: depth, depth, and more depth.
There is also a very real possibility of a reunion that would set the city on fire. Eugenio Suárez. The "Good Vibes" king had a monster 2025, hitting 49 home runs between Arizona and Seattle. Now, he’s a free agent again. Times of India and other outlets have floated a "sign-and-trade" scenario where a team like the Pirates signs him and flips him to Seattle to recoup prospects.
🔗 Read more: The Real List of Royal Rumble Winners and Why Most Fans Get the History Wrong
It sounds crazy. But it's exactly the kind of "out of the box" move this front office loves.
Where the Money Actually Is
Let's look at the hard numbers.
The Mariners are projected to have an Opening Day payroll around $156.8 million.
Jerry Dipoto said back in October that he expects it to be "similar to where we ended the year."
We ended last year around $168 million.
That gives the Mariners roughly $11 million to $15 million in wiggle room right now.
That isn't enough for a superstar. It is, however, enough to take on a contract like Brendan Donovan’s projected $5.4 million or even a veteran like Justin Verlander if the Astros or a mystery team decides to move on. Verlander at 43 years old in a Mariners jersey? It’s a wild thought, but we’ve seen weirder things in this city.
What You Should Watch For Next
Forget the "mystery team" talk for a second. If the Mariners are going to make a move that actually changes the trajectory of the 2026 season, it has to happen before pitchers and catchers report in February.
The internal options aren't terrible, but they are risky. Cole Young and Colt Emerson are the future, but relying on a rookie to hold down second base for a championship contender is a massive gamble.
What to do now: Keep a close watch on the Cardinals' roster moves. If St. Louis signs a veteran infielder, it’s a massive signal that Brendan Donovan is officially on the block. Also, watch the waiver wire for "expendable" outfielders like Victor Robles, who might be moved to clear up an extra $5 million in cap space.
The Mariners are one piece away. Whether that piece is a Gold Glove second baseman or a familiar face with a penchant for "Good Vibes" will define whether 2026 is the year the drought truly ends.
Check the 40-man roster status daily; the next move will likely involve a pitcher you've never heard of being swapped for a utility player who becomes a cult hero by May.