Drayer: Seattle Mariners Feel ‘Sting’ of Season’s Unexpected End

After a disappointing conclusion to their season, the Seattle Mariners gathered for an end-of-the-year press conference to address the team’s abrupt exit from playoff contention. The disappointment was palpable among executives and management as they reflected on the March 2025 season.

Mariners’ Season Wrap-Up

Seattle Mariners’ president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, and general manager, Justin Hollander, expressed the emotional impact of the season’s end, which left them feeling disheartened. Manager Dan Wilson echoed these sentiments, stating, “It does sting.” The team’s close brush with reaching the World Series added to their sentiments.

The Disappointment of the End

Dipoto qualified his emotions, stating that time would alter how they felt. “Disappointed,” he admitted, reflecting on the Blue Jays’ celebration after winning the American League pennant.

Looking Ahead: Offseason Plans

Despite the raw feelings, the Mariners are gearing up for the next season, emphasizing continuity in the team structure. They came within eight outs of the World Series, signaling a strong foundation for improvement.

• Offseason Focus:
  • First base
  • Third base
  • Bullpen depth
• Payroll Insights:
  • 2025 payroll: $164 million (15th in MLB)
  • 2024 payroll: $149 million (16th in MLB)

Key Player Priorities

Re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor is a priority, with the Mariners also hoping to retain second baseman Jorge Polanco, who is expected to decline a $6 million option. The situation for third baseman Eugenio Suárez remains uncertain, though the team values his contributions.

Building for the Future

Pitching will be another critical area for improvement. Hollander emphasized the need for more depth in pitching, remarking on the impact of injuries during the previous season. He noted the team was fortunate with talent and health until those challenges arose.

Utilizing Young Talent

The Mariners are considering how to integrate young players into the roster. Recent rookies like infielder Cole Young and Ben Williamson have made strides, and the team is optimistic about further development for their promising prospects.

Dipoto acknowledged the team’s maturity and star players but noted a need for careful integration of young talent. The goal remains to sustain performance while supporting growth in their developmental players.

The Road Ahead

As the Mariners reflect on their season, they are determined to improve. Hollander emphasized not resting on their laurels, recognizing the team had the potential to win the division and perform well but fell short of their ultimate goal.

The approach for the upcoming years will focus on balancing player development with the need for immediate competitive success. The Mariners aim to build a stronger team capable of contending for the World Series in the near future.