SEATTLE – At the Seattle Mariners’ end-of-season press conference on Thursday, the atmosphere was somber as team officials grappled with the abrupt conclusion of their season, which ended Monday night in Toronto. The disappointment was palpable among president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, general manager Justin Hollander, and manager Dan Wilson as they spoke openly about their feelings of emptiness.
“It leaves you feeling hollow,” Hollander remarked. “It’s hard right now.” Wilson echoed those sentiments, stating, “It does sting. I’m not sure how long the sting will last.” Dipoto summarized the team’s emotions by expressing his disappointment while also hinting at a potential for hope as they reflected on the season. “Disappointed,” he noted, while wrestling with the raw emotions that lingered in the aftermath of their near-success.
Despite the immediate feelings of disappointment following the Blue Jays’ advancement to the World Series, Dipoto and Hollander turned their focus toward planning for the future. They recognized the team’s strong performance throughout the season, having come remarkably close to the World Series. Moving forward, the Mariners’ primary offseason targets include first base, third base, and strengthening their bullpen.
When asked about the resources available for the upcoming season, Dipoto stated, “I would say similar to where we ended the year as a starting point.” The team concluded the 2025 season with a payroll of about $164 million, a slight increase from the prior year.
Re-signing first baseman Josh Naylor is a top priority for the Mariners, along with retaining second baseman Jorge Polanco, who is expected to decline his player option. Meanwhile, the future of veteran third baseman Eugenio Suárez remains uncertain, although the team has expressed high regard for him. The management plans to assess if they will look for improvements within their bullpen or pursue established relievers.
Hollander emphasized the significance of pitching depth when he said, “You can never have enough pitching.” The Mariners continued to experience challenges with injuries this past season, exposing gaps within their roster. He acknowledged the commendable efforts of fill-in players but reiterated the need for a stronger pitching group.
Looking at potential solutions, both Dipoto and Hollander noted that some of the team’s needs could be addressed with talent from their farm system. With rookie infielders Cole Young and Ben Williamson gaining experience this season, questions arise about the quick integration of other highly ranked prospects in 2026. Dipoto remarked that while the team has a solid core, they need to be deliberate in how they introduce young talent to the roster.
Overall, both Dipoto and Hollander recognized their accomplishments this season while also acknowledging the necessity of improvement. They are committed to enhancing the team’s performance to compete for a division title and eventually secure a World Series win.
Hollander concluded with a call to action, stating, “We need to get better, we need to do more, we need to be better.” As they move into the offseason, there remains a sense of determination to build on the foundation laid this past season, with hopes pinned on a brighter and successful future for the Seattle Mariners.