The 2024 Seattle Mariners embarked on a journey filled with ambition, resilience, and flashes of brilliance, only to fall just short of the promised land: the postseason. This campaign, steeped in both promise and heartbreak, was the culmination of calculated moves during the 2023-2024 offseason and a series of adjustments throughout the year. Let’s take a closer look at how the Mariners constructed their team, navigated the season, and what may lie ahead for this franchise on the cusp of greatness.

In the 2023-2024 offseason, the Mariners' front office focused on bolstering their infield and adding depth to their roster. A notable acquisition was the trade for second baseman Jorge Polanco from the Minnesota Twins. Polanco, known for his consistent bat and versatility, was expected to provide stability in the middle infield. The trade involved sending right-handed pitchers Anthony DeSclafani and Justin Topa, along with outfielder Gabriel Gonzalez and right-hander Darren Bowen, to the Twins.

​Additionally, the Mariners addressed their catching depth by acquiring catcher Seby Zavala and right-handed pitcher Carlos Vargas from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for third baseman Eugenio Suárez. This move aimed to enhance the team's defensive capabilities behind the plate and add a young arm to the bullpen.

As the season progressed, the Mariners made several key trades to strengthen their roster. In July, they acquired outfielder Randy Arozarena from the Tampa Bay Rays, sending prospects Brody Hopkins, Aidan Smith, and a player to be named later to Tampa Bay. Arozarena, known for his postseason heroics and dynamic play, was expected to inject energy and offensive prowess into the lineup.

Shortly after, the Mariners traded for veteran infielder Justin Turner from the Toronto Blue Jays, exchanging minor league outfielder RJ Schreck. Turner's experience and leadership were seen as valuable assets for the Mariners' clubhouse, and his ability to get on base added depth to the batting order.

Despite the team's overall struggles, several players delivered standout performances. Julio Rodríguez continued to establish himself as one of baseball's premier talents, showcasing a blend of power, speed, and defensive excellence. His contributions kept the Mariners competitive in numerous games and solidified his status as a cornerstone of the franchise.

Randy Arozarena, following his mid-season acquisition, made an immediate impact by providing clutch hits and demonstrating his trademark aggressive baserunning. His presence in the lineup added a new dimension to the Mariners' offense.

The Mariners concluded the season with a record of 85-77, finishing second in the American League West.

While this marked an improvement over previous years, it was insufficient to secure a playoff berth. Several factors contributed to this outcome:

As the Seattle Mariners look to strengthen their roster for the 2025 season, they face the challenge of addressing significant infield vacancies. With limited financial flexibility, reportedly around $16 million, the Mariners will need to be strategic in their approach to free agency and trades. Potential strategies include:

The Mariners' front office has demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves, and with a solid core in place, strategic additions could propel the team into postseason contention in 2025. The upcoming offseason presents an opportunity to build upon the progress made and address the shortcomings that prevented a playoff appearance.

The 2024 season for the Seattle Mariners was a blend of growth and missed opportunities. With a proactive approach in the offseason, the Mariners have the potential to transform into a formidable contender in the American League.