Urías is another veteran who has been a solid bat, especially against lefties. His versatility is limited to the infield, but he is a high-floor bench player. The type of player that won’t fall off a cliff but also isn’t going to be mistaken for an All-Star.
Perhaps the best of the bunch is Castro, a switch-hitter who has tons of experience literally all over the field. The numbers took a nosedive once he landed with the Cubs at the deadline, but I’d be willing to bet on a bounce back.
Lastly, Tauchman. Who doesn’t love a veteran outfielder who puts up great at-bats? Nothing flashy or high-end, but another sneaky good player who should not cost too much.
Extend From Within
SEATTLE, WA -MARCH 27: Starting pitcher Logan Gilbert #36 of the Seattle Mariners reacts after giving up a home run during the fifth inning against the Athletics on Opening Day at T-Mobile Park on March 27, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
As much as we all love talking about adding, sometimes the best money spent in the offseason is on your own players. Too often, teams try to force fits and shell out extra money to entice a player to join their team when the money could have been better spent on the players they already have a ton of insight on.
The Mariners have shown an ability to successfully identify which players in their organization are worthy of locking up long-term, such as Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Andrés Muñoz, Luis Castillo, and J.P. Crawford.
As you know, these types of deals are usually an exchange of more money now for additional years in what would be a player’s free agency. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don’t. But, like I said, the players you have the most insight on are the ones in your building every day. Investing in the right ones can be as much of an offseason victory as signing free agents.