Dan Wilson Discusses Seattle Mariners 2026 Plans, Josh Naylor Impact & Mariners Trading Harry Ford

left reliever outside. Anytime that touch left side, you gota be pretty excited. What did you learn about for? Yeah. Um, you know, obviously it’s always tough losing, you know, someone like Harry who’s come up through the organization, catcher. Um, so, uh, but, you know, obviously excited for him and his opportunity, but to get Ferrer, I think, is is big for us. and um a big arm, a guy that that um you know has uh like you said a ton of upside and and I think the thing for him uh that’s exciting is he’s got some some back end of the game you know the high leverage situation experiences and um that that will help too and and when you look at the year that Gabe had outstanding season for Gabe um and uh uh to have another lefty that that uh you know can can spell him um as well uh and you know kind of add to that arsenal down there especially late in the game is huge and And so I think that was a, you know, a great play and and uh really excited to see how our bullpen is now shaping up. Missing that especially post training line into the post left. Yeah, I mean I think you know the way our bullpen threw all season long, um I thought, you know, our our bullpen was was was really tough. Um and and you know, I think at at times um having another lefty is is always helpful. And like I said, Gabe had to shoulder a lot um all the way through the season and he and he was able to do that and do it well. Um but this I think, you know, does set us up really well. You know, there there’s teams that really stack the lineup with lefties and and especially against our right-handed starters and to be able to, you know, uh to to kind of thwart that at different times in the game is going to be huge. and and uh so I think you know adding adding for rare is is a big step in that right direction. Given the workload that Munoz gave Lazardo had Matt come back fully healthy and then adding for some other pieces it seems like it sets up a little bit better. Yeah. And and I think, you know, um the way our starters, you know, typically get you five, six innings pretty consistently, uh you know, to have seven, eight, and nine with the guys that that you’re talking about, um and and the power that you’re talking about, um is huge. And it does it does set you up for, uh shortening the game a bit. And so, um I I’m really really excited with the way things have shaped up and and and this trade was big for that. You mentioned you’re excited for Harry’s opportunity. I mean, he was pretty flawed but wasn’t going to play a lot if he was comfortable. But he has a chance to go on and play more and I mean as much as losing you like the kid. You’ve known him forever. Yeah, we all love the kid and u you know it’s interesting. I I talked to him on the phone and and he’s kind of getting traded at very similar time in his career that it was when I was traded in my career and get a little bit of big league time and then you you know you get traded and um you know I think uh for him he’s there is a great opportunity for him in in uh you know Washington and um you know again he’s kind of a guy that’s been from the east coast. he’s he’s a little bit more familiar out there and I’m I’m excited for him and and uh there is some familiarity with some of the players as as he mentioned to me. So, um you know, he’s not going into a blind situation for him and and a chance to play is what every player wants and and I think Harry uh in in Washington will be able to get that, you know, get that opportunity. Do you have any thoughts on the backups? You know, some coaches early game you need to bring in another backup. Yeah, I mean I think and and that’s uh you know will set definitely be a priority as as we go forward here and and um you know obviously um uh you know Garve does such a great job for us last year and and the two of those guys together worked very well um and uh so we’ll see how it goes this off season but but certainly um you know the way Cal you know developed last year the the amount that he caught um you know it’s it’s a role that is going to be pretty unique in terms of that and And uh but uh I’m excited to see where we land with it. Speaking of California, this is the first time. I’m sure again it’s been training, but just given how much the season, how do you see this stage? Yeah. Um, it’s a it’s a good question and and uh you know I I was amazed you know I as as I’ve told him like I I kept waiting for that moment where it looked physically like he was starting to drag and it really never came from what I could see and and uh he he just was able to sustain himself so well. I think his training and and the what the work that he puts into it um is really what helps him, you know, be able to handle the load. Um, having said that, I think we’ll continue to to watch and and I think, um, going into next year, um, you know, again, using the DH role is is helpful for sure. Um, but, you know, hopefully getting him more off off days from time to time than than he than he had last year. Um, and and, uh, you know, he is one year older and and so you start to weigh a lot of those different things. Um but uh you know what he has meant to our club um it’s it’s tough to give him those days off but but you know in the long run you’ve got to do that. Did you talk to Josh a lot trying the recruitment to get him to come back. Did you talk about that? Yeah, I mean I I had talked to him during the season and and uh you know just let him understand how how much I wanted him to come back to this this club and I think everybody wanted him to come back and and uh um I he is you know what he brought to our club uh when he came um the leadership uh the intensity um all the stuff that he brought I think everybody really uh responded to that and responded to it well whether it was coaches players wherever it was and So, um, getting him back, I think, was huge. And, and, uh, just to see the response, um, you know, not only from players and coaches, but also from the people in Seattle. I mean, he’s a guy that that had that immediate impact, uh, and the fans really took to him and and, uh, you know, seeing his smile, seeing his joy uh, when he came to Seattle for the for the signing, um, it’s just it’s I think it’s a great match and and one that I think is going to, you know, really really pay dividends for us going forward. He’s he’s an incredible player, an incredible leader, and and we’re looking forward to to having him for a lot more years. What’s the feeling for you now prepared to last time last year, the AOS title, um the team playoff run, bring back your roster? Just what is the feeling in terms of both just kind of where you guys are at and expectations for for this group? Yeah. Um, I think in some ways it’s it’s similar. Um, you know, we we do have a similar team. Um, and and there’s still, you know, work for us to be done and and a goal out there that that that we want to get to and get to badly. Um, so from that standpoint, I think, you know, things are the same. Obviously, um, having a little bit more experience in the role is is helpful. Um, but uh, you know, this is the time of year where you really start to look forward to 26 and and what’s ahead and and how we want to approach it and and uh, you know, we have staff calls and and we meet with players and um, you know, really starting to to put our energy in that direction. And so um, I I think a lot of it, you know, feels the same and and uh, we we’ve we’ve got a similar club. Um, offensively we’ve done some great stuff on the mound. we’ve done some great stuff and and uh you know we need to continue that and and know that uh you know we’re coming at this from a different expectation level and um in a lot of ways we’ve we we’ve raised the floor for our club and and um I I think you know we’re all excited about that what that means and and u you know bringing that consistency and that energy from from day one all the way through the season process like going back everything you guys have achieved this but also coming to finally you know yeah um you know I think uh that is this time of year also that’s what you do and and and you’re trying to look ahead for 26 based on you know a lot of what what went on in 25 and I think you know when you look at um you know a lot of the things we did were were very positive Um and and that’s exciting. That’s to to know especially uh when we hopefully will have a lot of the same guys back and and uh knowing what to expect from each other and and uh you know the preparation that went into it. Um all the things that you know all the routines, all the things that guys do to get ready for the season, you know, um and not that you just you just roll it back again, but but you can continue to to work that way and and continue improve on those processes as well. So, um, that’s what we’re doing this time of year is is looking at at how we can improve and how we can get better and and we did come up a little short. It was very abrupt. Um, and and you know, there was there was a sting to it for sure. Uh, but, uh, you know, at the same time, um, we know now a lot more about what it takes to get there and and how hard it is. And, uh, you know, that that that inspires all of us, I think, uh, to to work harder and and, uh, you know, continue, uh, to find that consistency to get there. opposite to see Tony and Chris and some of that leave and then go up for Yeah. How difficult was it for you to see uh some of your coaches leave for other places? I know you’re really tight with Tony and some of those guys, even Andy McCain. Yeah. Um you know, obviously it’s tough. I think one of the things that that uh we pride ourselves on here in in our organization is the people that we have and um uh we we get close and and of course uh you know you work together and and baseball is you become very very tight. Uh so to lose, you know, coaches is hard. It’s difficult. U but you’re excited for them too. I mean you know they they’ve got bigger and better opportunities elsewhere and and so you’re you know you’re excited for them and and the game is rewarding them. Um but it’s it’s it’s also difficult in a way and and uh but we I think the the the folks that we’ve hired uh you know behind them um you know I I think is is exciting. I think we’ve got uh three guys that uh will will bring some uh you know new energy uh new innovation uh new new ideas, new thoughts. I think uh you know um and and I that’s what we’re looking forward to and and we we will continue to work hard. our staff. Uh I can’t say enough and and you guys know that throughout the year just uh just how good of a job they do day in and day out to prepare our guys and and um you know I’m I’m excited to to bring these new guys into the fold and and uh we’ve got the the the experience on our staff to to to take them in and and uh you know to really again to get our guys ready on a daily basis to play. Ken, what do you think Cole and Ben I mean learn from their first season? going to be guys that you may look to to have to play in Royals this year. You know, they’ve had tough spots, all of them. What do you What did you think they take away from this? Yeah. Um, you know, we talked to both of those guys here in the offseason already and and uh you know, really praised the the work that they did. You know, it’s not easy coming up as a young player like that and and and you know, contributing the way in which they did. And when you look at the job that Ben did at third base, the way he swung the bats, some of his at bats that, you know, he just uh grinded out and and gave us some some really tough at bats. And then Cole um coming up being comfortable uh you know, the defense that he played, the the power that he showed um some of the consistency he showed from the left side. um you know all of that was um you know you don’t see that very often and I think again lends itself to just how strong the organization is and and uh you know you can trace that back to all the departments whether it’s scouting and player development all the way through you know these guys are are getting prepared in the right way and and they’re getting prepared so that when they get here they can contribute you know almost immediately and and when you see Ben doing what he did immediately and and Cole doing what he did and and even Harry to some degree when he came up at the end of the year. Uh these guys making an impact and um you know I’m looking forward to seeing uh you know Ben and Cole as they you know continue to develop as people as players and and uh you know see where they’re at in spring training and and uh get ready for them to to get ready for the season. Sorry with Ben in particular just job two weeks into the season. What did you learn about him and his his work ethic and then obviously defens what I guess impressed you most? Yeah, I think you know uh the thing that impresses me the most about Ben is is you know where he’s at mentally. He’s he’s very strong and and he has a really good idea and a good plan for for where he’s going. and even, you know, in talking to him uh in the offseason here, you know, he’s already got his plan in in place for where he wants to be and and the workouts he wants to, you know, pursue. So, he uh you know, he’s a he’s a kid that that has a very clear vision of where he wants to go. Um and uh the the work he put in um you know, it’s not a hard-headedness, it’s not a stubbornness, it’s it’s an it’s it’s a plan, but he’s also willing to listen and be coached. And he is uh you know, a coach’s dream. And um you know the defense he showed obviously was was phenomenal. Um and uh you know Perry has has just praised him up and down and and has worked with him and and really you know developed into a great third baseman. Um and uh so it’s it’s been fun to watch that. Uh I think he gained some confidence from that and and uh you know the the bat is is definitely something that is coming and and his right field approach has been outstanding and um you know with a year of experience uh you know and and a year of aging I think will really you know help him to get to where he wants to get to with the bat too. We’ve heard a lot about the last couple years obviously his start continues to rise. um just what a little bit you’ve been around him. We saw him in early October of the scrimmages too. Just what were your impressions, takeaways from him? Yeah, I think uh with Colt a lot has been said about his physical ability, which you know is warranted for sure. Great physical tools that he has. Um but I think he also has those intangibles. Um a guy that just wants to win. And I think with a lot of our guys on our club that are in that clubhouse, that’s that’s what drives them is winning. Um and uh when you’ve got that um up and down your organization, you’re in a really good spot. And again, give a lot of credit to everybody in the organization that has helped to foster that. And and uh Colt is one of those guys that wants to win and he wants to compete. Uh so that’s something that really drives him and and when someone is, you know, in that space, it’s it’s tough to deny. He’s 20 years old. Is that something you’re going to spring training with an open mind about, you know, letting him showcase what he can do? Yeah, of course. I mean, I think spring training this year with the WBC and and the impact it’ll have on our club will will be an opportunity for guys to to show what they can do. Um, and uh he’s certainly one of them that that we’ll get some playing time as he did last year. So, uh it’ll be Yeah, I think uh it’ll be fun to watch and see where he’s at. Player development more player development is not limit. How much is that ba into how you guys cost of construction this offseason knowing that you’d like to get at least one more battle and also know that you have these guys like to develop. Yeah, I mean I I think it’s definitely something that that you know we don’t stop and uh I think our guys understand that even some of our veteran guys understand that and and I think when you have you know the Edgar Martinez’s and and the Kevin Sites or the Bobby Magianis’s uh that that are you know leading the charge on the hitting side um there’s always something to learn and I the more you play this game the more you’re in this game the more you realize just how much there is to learn. So, our guys will always continue to develop and and uh that is a big part of it. Um and uh you know, uh the work they’re putting in now uh will will pay dividends down the line here and in spring training and and the end of the season. So, um I think it’s important that that they’re working on the right stuff and and they know that. Um, and uh, you know, I think as as we continue to to build our roster for the future and and you know, those are all the things that we think about and talk about and um, it’s important uh, that these guys are in a good spot when they get to the big leagues so that they can impact quickly. Um, and that’s what that’s what they’ve been able to do. Yeah, we know that Cal is playing in the WBC. How many other guys you anticipating that are going to play in the WBC? I would assume your center fielder probably wants to play. Yeah, I mean I think there’s there’s quite a demand for some of our guys and and I think it’s a it’s a great honor to to know that these guys are are, you know, sought after in that way and it’s it’s an honor for those guys to be able to support their country and play for their country and represent them in the WBC and um I have not been through that process before but from what I understand it’s um you know it’s very uh it’s awesome. It’s competitive. It’s a great experience. So, um, you know, however many guys it ends up being, um, you know, we will, uh, you know, certainly be excited for them and the opportunity that they have and, um, you know, it it I know we’ll probably be missing some players and we’ll be missing some coaches as well that’ll be going represent some countries. So, uh, you know, as as as far as numbers are concerned, hard to know at this point, but, but we’ll know here shortly. And, uh, but again, I think it’s a great experience for him. We could audition a catcher, I guess, with Cal being gone. maybe a little opportunity for catchers to get playing time there. Yeah, no doubt. And and certainly with with Harry now, uh you know, on his departure, um you know, there will be some some spaces to fill there in and uh during that that WBC stretch. So, um you know, again, opportunities for young guys, opportunities for for players to make an impact, I think, is always a good thing, especially in spring training. And and there’s going to be some of those uh in in part because of the WBC. Checking in with the guys. Are you going to see any of them? Are you calling them? I know Cal’s up in Seattle now. Yeah, Cal’s up in Seattle. Saw saw Nails when he was in town for the signing and and uh a couple guys down here have had a chance to visit in Florida. So, uh yeah, I mean it’s it’s always kind of a nice time of year to uh to meet up with guys that it’s just a different perspective this time of year and and and like you mentioned, you know, being able to or Daniel mentioned, being able to reflect on last year and learn some things and and talk about what what we’re going to do differently in 26. And um it’s it’s always good to to get together with guys and we we’ll look for opportunities to do that throughout the offseason. Have you had a chance to uh uh give some thought in how you’re going to develop the protocols and dealing games in dealing with the new strike system? Um yeah, I mean I think uh a lot of guys have used it already, you know, in AAA and and uh you know, kind of in some ways perfected those uh protocols in some ways. Um, and it’s something as a coaching staff as we get a little closer to spring training, we’ll we’ll discuss and talk about. Um, but, uh, it, you know, it it’s it’s going to obviously be a different phenomenon for baseball, but not totally out of the blue since a lot of the guys have already kind of dealt with it. We did deal with it in spring training last year as well. So, um, yeah, I think uh, it’ll it’ll definitely uh, change things a little bit, but I think we’ll be ready for it when when the time comes. as a former catcher. Is this yet another thing that advantages are going to be leaning heavily on the guys behind the plane and spent money on the pitching side of it? Yeah, I mean I think uh you know uh our experience last year is our catchers have a really good idea of the strike zone and and uh you know not only behind the plate but also at the plate um and and a lot of the challenges you know they uh they look to when they’re hitting or you know they’re they’re upheld or whatever it is that you know however it goes. But, um, I I think obviously, uh, it’s it’s going to be it’s kind of a, you know, a wait and see kind of thing. Who who’s good at it, who isn’t good at it. Um, those kinds of things will kind of, you know, shake themselves out pretty quickly. But, um, it’ll certainly create a different challenge for us. But, I think it’s, you know, this is a a good way to go at it, I think, in terms of of using technology to help the game. And, and I think the challenge system is the right next step. Randy, right? Huh? Not Randy, right? I think he was like 0 for six. Hey, some guys are, you know, it’s it’s just we’ll see who’s good at and who’s not. Anything else for that? Thanks for doing this. Thank you guys. Yeah, good seeing all of you. Can I get a new red light for he was not Hey, hey, hey.

Watch as Dan Wilson Discusses Seattle Mariners 2026 Plans, Josh Naylor Impact & Mariners Trading Harry Ford

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