The Seattle Mariners in 2025 were a powerhouse team. But when it mattered the most, they ran out of their magic. For sure, they would love to keep the band together, but baseball doesn’t care so much about nostalgia. And now, Seattle fans might have to watch two of their key players walk out the door.

First came the news about Mitch Garver, who is now officially headed to free agency. This happened after his mutual option with the Mariners was declined. Instead of the $12 million salary for 2026, he will get a $1 million buyout. It’s still unclear who pulled the plug, but both must’ve agreed to make such a decision stick.

And now the heartbreak is doubled, because Jorge Polanco, their infielder, is also moving on. Jon Heyman of the New York Post posted that Polanco turned down his $8 million mutual option, which he had previously converted to a $6 million player option during the season.

This again makes him a free agent, and he will collect a $750K buyout on his way out. But is this a shocker?

Not really, because Jorge Polanco bounced back this year with immense offensive power. He has managed 26 home runs, a .265 average, and a 132 wRC+, his best full-season mark yet. It’s the kind of performance that reminded everyone that he is still one of the most disciplined hitters.

But even then, it was far from smooth sailing for the partnership.

Polanco’s knee issue kept coming, and he spent much of the season as a DH. However, he did manage to return to second base more often in the second half, especially in September. The improvement was there, and it did prove one thing. He is finding his rhythm back after undergoing that knee surgery just a year ago.

So now, with his bat heating up and his health going in the right direction, Polanco wants a shot at a bigger and better deal, hence the move. But while that is a pressing issue for the Mariners, they have a happy one too.

Mariners lock in All-Star closer Andrés Muñoz for 2026

It’s going to be an off-season that’s filled with plenty of tough decisions for the Seattle Mariners. But thankfully, they just checked off one of the easier ones on Andres Munoz.

MLB.com’s Daniel Kramer broke the news that the Mariners have officially exercised All-Star closer $7 million club option for 2026. But really, who can blame them for jumping on the Munoz deal so quickly?

The 26-year-old flamethrower has been one of the best relievers in baseball. He has All-Star nods in back-to-back seasons and wrapped up a career year in 2025. He has a head-turning 1.73 ERA with 38 saves across 64 appearances. So for the Mariners, when you lock down such a kind of player with $7 million, it’s a steal deal.

Spotrac, for example, quotes his market value as more than $16 million per year.

The even better news is that the Mariners have him under team control beyond 2026, with an $8 million option for 2027 and $10 million for 2028. That’s elite insurance at a catchy rate.

Now with Munoz secured, the Seattle Mariners at least can rest easy knowing the back end of the bullpen is all set for years to come.

Of course, the Polancos’ departure seems sealed. So, now, they may need to figure out if they need to bring Josh Naylor back. Because they are being told to act quickly on him and for his future in Seattle.