This offseason, the Seattle Mariners have been attempting to extend the franchise’s first championship window in over two decades.

The Mariners were one run away from making their first-ever World Series this past season and have made several moves to return and, ideally, succeed that point in 2026.

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So far this offseason, Seattle has brought back first baseman Josh Naylor on a five-year deal, acquired high-leverage left-handed reliever Jose Ferrer from the Washington Nationals, brought in backup catcher Andrew Knizner on a one-year deal and signed veteran first baseman/outfielder/designated hitter Rob Refsnyder on a one-year deal.

In addition to those aforementioned additions, the Mariners have also reportedly had a lot of irons in the fire.

The M’s were reportedly interested in international corner infielder Munetaka Murakami, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Since signing Naylor, the main concern surrounding Seattle has been who will stand at second base for Opening Day in 2026.

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The Mariners were interested in bringing back Jorge Polanco but he opted for the New York Mets on a two-year deal.

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Since that deal, Seattle has been reported by several sources to be involved in trade discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals for Ketel Marte and Brendan Donovan, respectively.

Despite weeks of reports confirming the discussions, neither deal has gone over the finish line. And it could be due to a second baseman the Mariners already have on their roster.

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A report from Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said that Seattle is still high on second baseman Cole Young and one anonymous rival executive described Young as the “league model darling,” right now, highlighting his positive analytical projections.

In Sammon and Rosenthal’s report, it was mentioned that acquiring Donovan, who has more positional versatility and is under contract for less years than Marte, would prevent the position from being tied down, leaving it open for Young to have at-bats. The report speculated that Donovan could play other positions aside from second base.

Young, a former first-round MLB Draft pick and top 100 prospect, made his major league debut May 31. He finished his first year of big league action with 24 runs scored in 77 games, and he hit seven doubles, a triple and four home runs with 24 RBIs. He slashed .211/.302/.305 with a .607 OPS.

Young had a solid two-and-a-half months in the majors before slumping in mid-August and September.

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From June 1-Aug. 15, Young slashed .256/.340/.363 with a .703 OPS in 168 at-bats. From Aug. 16-to the end of the season, Young had a slash line of .059/.169/.118 with a .287 OPS in 51 at-bats. Young was the team’s starting second baseman for most of the first two months of his major league tenure before Polanco ultimately took over as the team’s everyday second baseman.

Young is regarded well within the organization. Even if the Mariners are able to acquire a second baseman, it likely won’t close the door on the 22-year-old potentially carving out a role for himself.

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