The Seattle Mariners are one of the teams in baseball with a few top players hitting the open market. But, just like many of those clubs, Seattle is trying to bring them all back.
Josh Naylor has already returned with a huge contract, and the Mariners are still interested in bringing Eugenio Suarez and Jorge Polanco back for another playoff run.
But, if Polanco departs, Robert Murray of Fansided.com reveals a "wild card" option that Seattle could wind up going after this winter. That player is three-time batting champion Luis Arraez.
Mariners linked to Luis Arraez as Jorge Polanco replacement
"The mariners, meanwhile, are more of a wild card option." Murray writes. "The only real way I could see this emerging as a possibility is if Jorge Polanco leaves Seattle in free agency and the team views Arraez as a backup option."
Arraez as an option for Seattle would be a very fascinating fit. In 2025, for the San Diego Padres, he played a combination of second base, first base, and designated hitter.
Similar to how the Mariners used Polanco in 2025, rotating him between second base and designated hitter depending on whether Cal Raleigh was behind the plate or not, they could employ a similar strategy with Arraez.
The only issue is that Arraez is not a good fielder and has also regressed offensively. His game is different than most every other Major Leaguer, as he's focusing on contact and bat-to-ball skills rather than power.
More: Mariners predicted to replace Jorge Polanco through trade for $5.4 million All-Star, Gold Glove
In 2025, despite a down season, Arraez had a.292 batting average with only 21 strikeouts. The issue was that his on-base percentage dropped from.346 in 2024 to.327 in 2025. When adding on his.392 slugging percentage, Arraez finished 2025 with a.719 OPS.
His lack of power, eight home runs in 154 games in 2025, is a huge reason why teams might not be as interested in Arraez. But his contact skills are still strong, and at only 28 years old, he could get back to his batting-champion self.
A three-time All-Star and batting champion, Arraez can be one of the best contact hitters in the sport. He led the NL in hits with 181 with the San Diego Padres in 2025, but had a career-low 99 OPS+ in his seventh season in the Major Leagues.
While there is some concern with his defense and offensive regression, if Polanco departs, Arraez is a potential free agent option for the Mariners, even if he's not the most popular free agent target this winter.
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