The Mariners missed qualifying for the postseason by just one game — a heartbreaking outcome for a club that held a commanding 10-game lead in the American League West back in June. Seattle’s offense floundered all year on the heels of a 2023-24 offseason punctuated by payroll restrictions and a series of salary-driven trades to help balance the lineup while adhering to a budget that was tighter than most anticipated.
Ryan Divish and Adam Jude of the Seattle Times have some relatively good news for frustrated M’s fans on that front, reporting that ownership expects payroll to increase in 2025. That’s a breath of fresh air after it became clear almost immediately last offseason that payroll had minimal room to grow. On the other hand, the Times duo adds that a major free agent splash is not expected, thus suggesting that any uptick in payroll could be fairly modest in nature.
Seattle’s roster is overwhelmingly cost controlled, as the bulk of its core is either signed long-term or in the early stages of arbitration. As is the case with all teams fitting that description, there are some natural payroll increases that should be baked into the offseason.
Julio Rodriguez will see his salary jump from $10MM to $18MM under the terms of his long-term extension, for example. Victor Robles only cost the Mariners the prorated league minimum this year after being released by the Nationals, but he’ll earn $3.5MM next year on the two-year extension he signed in August. Dylan Moore, Andres Munoz and Mitch Garver will also see small salary increases on their guaranteed multi-year deals, all of which are slightly backloaded. It’s not all increases, however. Mitch Haniger’s deal is frontloaded, and he’ll actually see his salary drop from this year’s $20MM mark to the $15.5MM level on a player option he’s sure to exercise.
The bigger area for increase lies within the Mariners’ arbitration class. First-time candidates include Cal Raleigh and George Kirby, both of whom should command significant raises and could go from costing the club a combined $1.5MM to somewhere in the combined $10MM range. Randy Arozarena ($8.1MM in 2024), Logan Gilbert ($4.05MM) and Josh Rojas ($3.1MM) are in line for the most notable raises among the rest of the group, though relievers like Trent Thornton ($1.2MM in ’24), Austin Voth ($1.25MM), JT Chargois ($1.285MM), Gabe Speier (pre-arb) and Tayler Saucedo (pre-arb) could all get boosts as well. Luis Urias is all but a surefire non-tender candidate, and injured utilityman Sam Haggerty isn’t necessarily guaranteed to be tendered.
Assuming the Mariners decline Jorge Polanco’s $12MM option after a disappointing 2024 season — Divish and Jude unsurprisingly write that they’re likely to do so — and tender contracts to Raleigh, Kirby, Gilbert, Rojas, Thornton, and Saucedo, they’ll land somewhere in the $140MM payroll range before making a single move this offseason (including a slate of pre-arbitration players to round out the roster). This year’s payroll was finished just shy of $145MM, per RosterResource.
An increased payroll, then, doesn’t necessarily signify the looming addition of any large salaries to be acquired via free agency or trade. That said, word of an increasing payroll also does lend some insight into the direction the team will take. For instance, we’ve already seen the Cardinals plainly state that next year’s payroll will decrease. It became clear almost immediately in the Twins’ offseason last year that payroll would decline from 2023 to 2024. We’re five years removed (to the day) from Rockies ownership kicking off the winter by saying they lacked flexibility for additions of note. With Jerry Dipoto returning as president of baseball operations, there’s always a “never say never” caveat attached to virtually any player’s trade candidacy, as he’s among the game’s most active executives on that market. Still, there’s no reason to anticipate sweeping changes among the team’s excellent young core.
Rather, the focus once again seems likely to be on reinventing an offense that has been continually stagnant despite repeated personnel changes. The M’s would no doubt welcome the opportunity to get out from some or all of their commitments to Haniger and Garver, but that’ll be no small feat. They’ll again be looking to upgrade at third and/or second base after last year’s pickups of Polanco and Urias didn’t yield the intended results. First base is an open question, though the hope is that young Tyler Locklear can solidify the position.
The outfield/designated hitter mix — Arozarena, Rodriguez, Robles and Luke Raley — is largely set, and the Mariners don’t figure to be major players in the starting pitching market. Gilbert and Kirby will be rejoined by Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo, comprising a brilliant rotation. Other clubs will surely try to pry some of those young, cost-controlled arms away from the Mariners while dangling promising young hitters in return. However, Dipoto and GM Justin Hollander opted not to deal from that rotation stock last year and would surely be reluctant to do so this coming offseason, given the near-unmatched blend of excellent results and affordable price tags they have throughout the starting staff.
Divish and Jude write that Dipoto spoke of ways to “address our holes that maybe don’t include [trading away] the players that are here” — a potential nod to dealing from a deep farm rather than subtracting from the big league roster. Prospects like Locklear, catcher/outfielder Harry Ford, right-hander Logan Evans, outfielders Jonny Farmelo and Lazaro Montes, and infielders Colt Emerson, Cole Young and Felnin Celesten have all garnered fanfare among the game’s top-100 prospects since midseason. More broadly, the Mariners rank 11th or better on the midseason farm system rankings from ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel (11th), MLB.com (ninth) and Baseball America (seventh). Dipoto and Hollander will have no shortage of coveted young talent to peddle on the market if the goal is to augment the lineup without heavily subtracting from the current big league roster.
sadMariner
Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha
MLB Top 100 Commenter
Mariners have a great rotation, every reason to see them in next year’s mix.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Tell me, how can we get better?
lee cousins
Players that need to go, Garver, Haniger, Polanco, Urias, maybe Crawford? ,
proton
They had 40,000 fans on Sunday I think it was around 36,000 on Saturday . A team going home with nothing to play for but pride. They could be a trivia quiz too. Last team to beat the Oakland A’s.
They need to waive Garver eat his salary and say get the hell away from the team. Not a bad guy just sucked at the plate. They need to bring Turner back. He can DH and play some 1st. Raley can play 1st also. Maybe try and buyout Hanigers contract. Not sure how that works if even possible.
They would not get as much but Castillo could be a trade candidate. There are a few teams that want starting pitching. Get into a bit of bidding war and maybe get a really good player. I still think if they tell Hancock you are here until AS break or so he gets better. Make him feel he is on the team not trying to make it. He has been a decent #5. He might along with a few players get a better return than Castillo so that would be worth it.
Dipoto best not trade most of the future stars in the minors. If they look to trade Ford they need to sign Cal long term. They can’t trade him and have Cal walk in 3 years. I would think Young Emerson Celestin and Ford would take a lot individually. Guys I don’t see getting traded.
If this ownership group puts the money into the team and brings in a few great players. Then have a lead mid season they will sell out most of their games last half of the years. They sold out many this season and it never felt like they could get into the playoffs or make any kind of a run if they did. Stanton you will make more by spending more money. Get into the playoffs and you will see 40,000 on a Wednesday game.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Fans will keep going to the games whether they spend more or sell more
bloomquist4hof
I think they could move Garver if they ate 7-9 mil and/or a lower-ranked prospect. That could free up enough to add a middle reliever but it’s just as likely no one bites and they have to release him anyway. I wish they’d just eat the 27.5 million they owe him and Haniger for the 2025 season at least, so they can add, but it’s not my money.
proton
Yes fans will show because that is what Seattle fans do. We support our teams even when a liar owner and corrupt commish steal your team. Fans showed up to support the Sonics even during the last season. That is another topic though. If Seattle would more to upgrade the team there would be more fans show up. I also think it would keep so many fans from other teams away. Season ticket holders sell tickets for games against NY Blue Jays Boston and a few others.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
There’s always more blue jays fans that show up in Seattle then Seattle fans
hllywdjff
But it is your money if you buy tickets or mariners merchandise….
Tom Price
Problem they have is no one wants to go to the Siberia of MLB.
mlb fan
“No one wants to go to”…That’s the same, tired excuse often used by Farhan Zaidi and you saw what happened to him. There’s no market in MLB that cannot attract premium players with the right amount of money.
If players will go to Detroit, players will go anywhere. Only the most ineffectual front offices even try to use that same old very tired excuse.
James123
even the worst cities have enough going on that they are not a terrible place to be if you have some cash. Players also are working a lot during the season, and offseason whereever they want to (for the 3-4 months they get off). So a lot of players at best have a place in the nicer burbs of the city they play in, and their offseason home in the south.
myaccount2
None of the big free agents, sure, but none of the big free agents are in play anyway, so that’s irrelevant. M’s don’t have trouble attracting mid-market guys or getting players to commit after trades. It was no issue getting Castillo to extend at a below-market rate.
Bob Sacamano 310
They can trade for guys with higher salaries (Luis Robert comes to mind).
Bnickles127
Just gotta find that IF that compares to L Robert cuz they shouldn’t focus on OF unless that’s their only way to upgrade
Stevil
Seattle doesn’t need a regular outfielder. Someone like Robert just doesn’t make sense.
But I agree that trading for a someone with a significant contract could make sense. I can think of a few teams with budget limitations and solid players with high AAV, long(er)-term contracts that might make sense if Seattle could move Haniger and Garver in the returns.
hllywdjff
Sign Goldschmidt and Torres trade Hancock and Harry Ford for Coby Mayo and there’s our new infield
Stevil
Sign a declining first baseman to replace a guy who performed well at first base, then sign a player coming off a down year and hope he bounces back to handle the keystone?
I like Mayo, but he’s still trying to adjust to MLB, and they can’t afford to trade the limited pitching depth they have. I’m not in the trade-Ford camp, either. The reality is they don’t know if they can keep Raleigh and it should be clear over the next year or two if they can extend him. If they can’t they have to consider selling high and replacing him (with Ford).
jbigz12
Baltimore also has no interest in a bad starting pitcher and a catching prospect for Mayo. Hancock is a #6 and it’s not because Seattle is stacked. Almost 2 HRS/9 and a K rate below 6 per 9. He’s fallen a long way from his draft days.
Stevil
Hancock is probably better than his 2024 stats. He has had a few rough starts, but was remarkably consistent when they needed him to be. I don’t think he’s as valuable as Mayo, though.
hllywdjff
I don’t know if Ford will even be a decent major leaguer…
hllywdjff
Ok they can have Morales and Evans
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Why would the o’s need a 3rd catcher or another outfielder?
C Us Sink
Sign Goldschmidt, or re sign Turner and go after Ryan McMahon from the Rockies.
Chester Copperpot
Does he hit? Seattle is in no position to be picky about where their offense comes from. I’m expecting an OF to be traded quite honestly. The OF, as is, is the most expensive OF I can ever remember in Seattle.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
I heard there is a chance we trade randy only if our payroll decreases because he is going through arbitration
Chester Copperpot
That’s the most likely in my opinion too. I pray for a Haniger bounce back year, because I don’t think he’s going anywhere.
Stevil
Their outfield is a strength and they don’t have anyone to spare. They knew what they’d be spending on outfielders when they acquired Arozarena and then extended Robles.
Stevil
From a fan? I haven’t heard any insiders or journalists suggest that.
Chester Copperpot
I don’t believe they were counting on paying Arozarena in 2025 when they acquired him. Just a hunch. Too many holes to fill with too little money. They will look to move someone just to afford the raises due to Raleigh, Julio, Kirby, Gilbert, etc. And their OF is definitely NOT a strength.
M’s OPS ranking – LF: 23rd (.701)
M’s OPS ranking – CF: 6th (.745)
M’s OPS ranking – RF 17th (.715)
Minus Julio (and some great Robles play while filling in), they are below the mean. I know you are very knowledgeable Stevil, I just have a bad feeling that this team is on the decline. The window has been missed. I’d love to be wrong, I just know how spending-averse this team is, and the core is going to start getting expensive. I would expect to see more shuffling of deck chairs in lieu of actual improvement until the day we have to trade Kirby or Gilbert because they won’t sign an extension.
Stevil
Seattle covets players with control. They wouldn’t have given up two top prosects for a player they only intended to use for a couple of months, then try to flip. Never say never, especially if a unique opportunity were to arise, but it’s highly unlikely.
Seattle’s outfield ranked third in MLB from August through September. with a 131 wRC+ and 5.7 fWAR. They were sixth in OPS in that two-month stretch.
They will (obviously) try to move Haniger and Garver. They moved more salary last offseason, so there’s plenty of reason to believe they can do the same this offseason.
It’s easy to see them working with a team that would like relief from a long-term contract in exchange for a single year of Haniger and Garver, then gamble on a rebound candidate or two to fill the remaining gaps. There are a few that I’d be on-board with, but I really hope they aren’t dependent on just rebounds. Depth has also been an issue for Seattle since they came out of the rebuild.
I don’t think the window has been missed, but I think they have just a year or two before they’ll really have no choice but to commit to a new plan/direction.
Where I really differ from most, or many, fans is that I don’t think Rojas should have a regular role and I don’t think they can afford to pay him for a utility role. I want to see changes at 3B, 2B, DH, backup catcher, and ideally a fourth outfielder who could also platoon 1B with Raley. I think they need additional infield depth as well.
Then there’s the bullpen. In total, probably 7 or 8 new names.
hllywdjff
So this team is not close to being a championship contender if they need to fill 3-4 full time spots with above average major league players…Time to move some PROSPECTS!
Stevil
Well, the Astros won the AL West with an 88-73 record.
The bar is low. for entry and their pitching can give them an edge. Imagine a postseason roster with Woo and Hancock in relief.
If they go get a couple of elite bats and a few solid role players, I think they can legitimately contend.
I agree, they should be willing to move prospects.
hllywdjff
We maybe have a 3 year window max with this pitching staff before we cant afford all of them. We need to do something big, our time is now. When teams get into the playoffs you know as well as I do pitching dominates. We need hitters that can handle that kind of pitching. So we have to do whatever it takes to get to where we need to be we as fans deserve a World Series appearance at all costs…You’re my favorite commenter on here Stevil and no I’m not kissing up to you. Lol
Stevil
They have 3 years of control with Raleigh and Gilbert, but they need to make decisions before then.
My personal opinion has been that they have to push hard for extensions before the end of the 2025 season. If they can’t get deals done, they need to move them; sell high.
That’s a big reason I don’t want to see Ford traded. He could feasibly take over catching duties at that point, or at least be within a year of doing so.
It’s a one or two-year window for me, so I’m with you: push in the chips!
By the way, feel free to weigh in on the HVH blog. That goes for any other baseball fan who is respectful and rational. It’s mostly fueled by local (Brazilian) readers, but there is a comment section via disqus. We’ll post an offseason plan at the end of the month.
hardballviahardcore.blogspot.com/
SodoMojo90
Yeah, if you’re OK with overpaying in a trade for a guy who’s gonna sit half year on the bench injured. The White Sox value him way too much considering he’s a walking piece of glass. Not worth what it would take to trade for him and not even worth a spot on the team considering he won’t be available often.
C Yards Jeff
@Tom Price; agree to an extent. Definitely dank and cold in places like Seattle and San Fran.
Hitters. Agree. From personal experience, not fun to hit in those conditions.
Pitchers. Disagree. A teammate pitcher back in the day loved throwing in those conditions.
NYCityRiddler
“On the other hand, the Times duo adds that a major free agent splash is not expected, thus suggesting that any uptick in payroll could be fairly modest in nature.” WTH does that mean, they’re throwing an extra couple hundred bucks? They REALLY just don’t get it. Ahahaha!
proton
We are Alaska South not Siberia. We don’t believe in that socialist/Commie crap. Wait yes too many here do. Still we have been South Alaska for years so I will stick with that thank you.
SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs
I don’t believe you
Salvi
Craig Breslow is on the line from Boston, wondering if you want to part with Kirby or Gilbert for Triston Casas and a prospect.
Old York
@Salvi
That’s a terrible trade. Would make more sense trade for Vlad Jr., given he would provide them with actual offensive production that you can rely upon from a 1B player.
Salvi
@ Old York
Trading for Vlad is a terrible trade. Youre going to give up a pitcher that has 3 or 4 years control for a first baseman that will need to be signed to mega contract in a year, or he walks? Lol.
Old York
@Salvi
My point is that the M’s need offensive production and what you’re proposing for top pitchers is quite little and doesn’t resolve the offensive production the M’s need.
Sure, trading all those guys for 1 year of Vlad is too much but trading all those pitchers for Casas is not worth it.
Salvi
“all those pitchers”
How many pitchers do you think “Kirby or Gilbert” totals? I count ONE.
Old York
Both!
Salvi
Do you understand the conjunction “or” and what it does. You normally have much more intelligent things to say than this.
Old York
@Salvi
You’re proposing either one and I’m saying it’s too much. Reading comprehension usually starts in grade 1.
Salvi
“trading all those pitchers for Casas” is not “either one”
Its not what you said. Writing clearly is a challenge for you. Goodbye.
Old York
@Salvi
Good. Get out of here with your ridiculous trade ideas.
James123
i doubt they trade the headliner pitchers they currently have, but some of those prospects like Emmerson or Montes should land them a MLB ready bat where they need it. as an os fan the 2 that come to mind are Basallo and Kjerstad- as very good players who are odd men out right now….. the Os get younger prospects (the Ms may need to throw something else in) and the Ms get impact hitters now with years of control left.
martevious
Who cares how many years of control we have over our pitchers. If we don’t get some offense, the talent of our pitching staff will be absolutely wasted.
But Dipoto doesn’t believe you need offense to win, the M’s won’t add anyone meaningful, and 2025 will be a repeat of this year. That’s the way it will be until we get owners who care about winning.
Canuckleball
Casas and prospects gets you Emerson Hancock… maybe.
Any trade for a top Mariners pitcher starts with Jarren Duran.
Salvi
Emerson Hancock? Lol. You means Fitts and a prospect right?
James123
i was thinking that Hancock has some upside but looks like a 5th starter right now. With lots of team control- that is basically an upper minors hitting prospect that gets a little love at the back end of top 100 prospect lists.
S_man_2014
That may still be too much for Hancock, depending on who the prospect is.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
A top 10 cost controlled really young lefty first baseman gets you a top 25 prospect in all of baseball
I don’t think Hancock is in the top 25…
mlb fan
“Kirby or Gilbert”…crickets…Substitute Duran or Rafaela for Casas and a TOP prospect if you want to initiate anything other than a dial tone.
Salvi
1) Casas is a much better value than Rafaela. Its not even close.
2) And prospect was always intended to be a “TOP” prospect. I just didnt want to commit any names.
Casas and Mayer (3rd ranked prospect in baseball) should be plenty for Gilbert.
Salvi
Trade Simulator Value:
Casas and Mayer = 81.80
Kirby = 79.50
Vlad G = 10.5
People are ridiculous here.
James123
yep- people forget that what is traded is contracts (and rights to contracts) and not the player. Vlad is a better player than Casas, but there is a higher price tag on Vlad and a lot less years of control. Honestly i am not even sure if Vlad is all that much better than a healthy Casas.
myaccount2
The Trade Simulator is constantly bashed for being wildly inconsistent. No one follows it like gospel nor should they.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Casas and Mayer is a lot…
myaccount2
Dipoto has already came out and stated the M’s aren’t subtracting from their rotation.
mlb fan
“Dipoto has already come out”..Please don’t remind me. The truth is often very depressing.
A pitching trade is the most efficient way for the Mariners to solve their offensive woes.
myaccount2
I still don’t believe it’s the most efficient way. Gaining a 4 WAR offensive player at the expense of a 4 WAR pitcher isn’t efficient, it’s neutral. It makes us different but not better.
The best course of action, IMO, is to trade from our top 10 farm system or sign a guy so we aren’t negatively impacting the big league roster. It doesn’t seem like the latter will happen, so hopefully the former does.
James123
you also have to factor in the replacements. A 4 war pitcher that you can give the playing time to Hancock (if you think he is a 2 war starter) vs. a 4 war hitter you are bumping a below replacment level hitter out of the lineup. So it all depends.
Seamaholic
Heh. Kirby and Gilbert are among the most valuable assets in baseball.
Ferpad
I imagine any trade for either of those guys has to BEGIN with Jarren Duran….and more.
Salvi
1) Mariners dont need a CF
2) Casas and Mayer is plenty of value and it fills 2 needs SS and 1B.
myaccount2
You don’t settle for “plenty of value” when moving a controllable ace.
This is irrelevant anyway. Why would Dipoto say we aren’t subtracting from the rotation then turn around and trade from it?
Salvi
1) “no intention of dealing from the rotation” is what he said. Things change.
2) Every trade is based on value.
3) Since its simply about “control”. It would 3 years (Gilbert) of control for 9 years of control (Mayer 5 + Casas 4)
4) The two teams match up perfectly in a trade.
myaccount2
1) He called it Plan Z. That’s as good as saying it isn’t going to happen UNLESS they are absolutely blown away. Casas and Meyer should not blow them away. Duran+ might, so I’m with the other guys.
2) Whats your point? Obviously every trade is based on value. Teams don’t settle for “plenty of value” when moving an ace. They would need “lots of value.” Especially a competitive team.
3) Why is it simply about control? There are a ton of factors when a competing team trades one of its top players.
4) Relevant to the possibility of trade, irrelevant to whether they are able to line up and agree on value.
Bonus: the likelihood that another team is willing to give up what it would take to land Gilbert or Kirby makes “Plan Z” more like “Plan ZZ.” So not only is he not looking to do it, teams would have up come with an insane offer to make it happens. That’s as good as saying it’s simply not going to.
Can we please get a DH?
You are overvaluing Casas. He is a strong, but not elite 1B who grades out as one of the worst defenders in the league. I’m also not sure why the Red Sox would move him, unless they went and signed Pete Alonso (and if they do that they might as well just sign Snell, Burnes or Fried instead).
Additionally, Meyer doesn’t make a ton of sense for the Mariners who have several top IF prospects of their own already (Cole Young, Colt Emerson, Michael Arroyo, and Felnin Celestin) who are scheduled to debut in the next 2 to 3 years.
To be honest, I’m not sure Duran would move the needle much given our OF is our strength with Julio, Randy and Victor and none of them have as much value in the DH role (and Duran would lose value moving into a corner).
Salvi
1) If Im overvaluing Casas then youre undervaluing Mayer.
2) Every IF prospect you listed are Double A and below including Celestin who isnt even out of rookie ball. A Young/Mayer middle infield would be excellent.
3) Duran was never a fit. And a Duran and Mayer combo would be a
huge overpay.
myaccount2
1) If the M’s were rebuilding, I think Meyer would make a lot of sense in a package; however, in a hypothetical trade in which the M’s move a top 10 SP AND still want to compete, it would be a huge gamble. Given that he’s an unknown quantity at the big league level makes him less valuable to a contending team than, say, Miami. Value isn’t one-size-fits-all. Contending status, talent, contact, controllability, ballpark fit, clubhouse fit, etc. all carry weight. Duran would comfortably fill one of the nine lineup spots at an MVP-quality level for the M’s. Casas is not quite that. I like him a decent amount, but a 1B with questionable defense is not enough when packaged with a question mark for an ace, IMO.
2) I wasn’t the one to bring up the prospects so maybe you weren’t replying to me, but Cole Young will 100% debut this season.
3) GMs will make MVP-level players fit on any team with maybe the exception of the Dodgers or Phillies. The M’s wouldn’t deny the chance to add Duran just because he doesn’t have a clear spot. They would make it work. He could play RF given his arm, could be rotated through CF on Julio off days, and play some LF and DH.
On the surface, I don’t think Casas + Meyer for Kirby is a terrible suggestion, I just don’t think it makes sense as constructed given the state of the two teams. That’s why I doubt the M’s trade from their rotation. It’s too difficult to find something that makes sense for them while also making sense for a trade partner.
Can we please get a DH?
True the M’s IF prospects are likely not breaking camp in the Majors (although Young going straight from AA to MLB wouldn’t be abnormal for the M’s who don’t like their prospects to spend much time at AAA). However, the team has JP on a reasonable contract for two more years for SS, a decent 3B platoon in Rojas/Moore option for next year and several short term 2B options if needed to give Young a bit more time.
Mayer looks like a bright prospect, but holds much more value to Red Sox as their SS/2B for the next 6 years than to the Mariners.
It’s just not a fit for the M’s to trade from their staff generally. The drop off from the current rotation to Hancock is considerable. They’d be better off looking to package Hancock or Evans in a trade for a smaller bat or player with less team control (e.g. Josh Naylor or Yandy Diaz).
Can we please get a DH?
I agree with this take generally. However, to crystallize the issue with this general trade concept of Kirby/Gilbert to Red Sox is that Duran playing CF for Boston is more valuable than playing RF for Seattle where it pushes Arrozarena to DH (sure as a whole it strengthens Seattle’s lineup and OF defense, but the gain would be more than offset by the fall off with Hancock pitching). The same goes for Casas/Meyer. In the abstract it may be fair (although Casas as a solid hitting 1B/DH isn’t super valuable), but when applied to current and future rosters it doesn’t add-up. The M’s are likely to have a Raley led 1B platoon next year which pushes Casas to almost exclusively DH and although Meyer may be able to help 2B or 3B this year (although far from certain) it would come at the cost of crowding an already crowded prospect group (meaning the team likely then needs to go and make another trade).
Stevil
Why would Seattle give up Kirby or Gilbert for a first baseman when they clearly like Raley as the strong side of a platoon?
Gilbert and Kirby aren’t likely going anywhere. Seattle should be looking for a third baseman, second baseman, DH, and a fourth outfielder/RHH for part-time first base duties. They should be able to do that without moving one of their most valuable assets. Otherwise, they’d just be making a lateral move.
Salvi
It may seem like a lateral move, but it really isnt.
Every team that made the playoffs this year was in the top 15 in both runs scored and runs allowed. Balanced teams fare better than one-sided teams. Pitching they have, no doubt. But, can the Mariners jump up enough offensively to be more balanced?
Mariners are ranked 21st in runs scored, they need to add some hitters plain and simple. Moving one of those pitchers for two starters (SS and 1B) would do that, while not hurting the pitching that much (they ranked 2nd in earned runs allowed). Mariners would also be adding years of control with the players, as well.
I understand your logic, front line starters are tough to come by. But, I think Mariners fans think the offense is going to come out of nowhere next year, and I just dont see it.
Stevil
If they were to move a starter, I think it would make more sense to move someone with high upside, low cost, and higher risk. That would be Woo.
But I think they’d be wise to try to use prospects and/or absorb a contract to get the hitting they need.
Salvi
I like Woo, but his elbow scares me. Due to the elbow, I think the return in a trade, won’t be on par with his value.
But youre prob right Stevil, using money or prospects may be a better route for Seattle.
Rsox
No he isn’t. After the Dom Smith/Garrett Cooper/Bobby Dalbec/Romy Gonzalez/Connor Wong fiasco at 1B during Casas’ absence i doubt they want to have to search another 1B.
myaccount2
I really don’t think it makes that much sense for either team. There’s a reason you don’t see too many trades involving big league players of this caliber being exchanged for one another.
sillywabbit
And you will remain a fan; ownership knows this, that’s why nothing will change.
C Us Sink
Triston Casas, Bryan Bello, Vaughn Grissom in exchange for Bryce Miller, Andres Munoz, Tai Peete, and they need to take on Mitch Garvers contract.
hoof hearted
I would expect Cal and George to get about 4m, which is what Logan got in his 1st year of arb
James123
Cal may get more at a premium position and back to back great seasons. But yes, first time through 5-8m is basically the soft cap.
proton
Many of you East Coast guys can have an opinion from stats but doubt you saw him much. With that said does Cal win the Gold Glove? Does he deserve it.
Now does he win the Silver Slugger? Leads in HRs and RBIs. Was clutch most times when they needed it. I was a doubter his 1st year. Has turned into one of the top catchers in the league. If he wins one will probably be around the $8mill mark. Wins both probably the $10 mill area. Stanton probably hopes he doesn’t win either and is in the $5-6 mill area. I know catchers are pretty tough guys but hard to watch Cal play every game and not think he is one of the toughest to squat back there.
Mike56
Arenado is probably available from Cards. He’s a west coast guy. With Cards “reset”
He may jump at chance. Might get Goldy his buddy cheap too.
SweetBabyRayKingsThickThighs
Arenado whining his way out of St Louis will be an interesting storyline to follow this offseason
Seamaholic
Arenado makes $35m (Rockies contribution is down to the low single millions). Ain’t no way they’re going there. Might as well at that point add a few million and go after Soto. Arenado is a league average player now anyway and is basically untradeable. Betcha the M’s do look into Goldy though.
bloomquist4hof
Goldy is high on my list of 1B options I’d like to see them pursue.
Stevil
If the Cards’ were willing to take Haniger and Garver off their hands, I wouldn’t rule out Arenado.
I think that’s more likely than a Goldy acquisition. They’re almost certainly going with Raley vs. RHPS at 1B and I can’t imagine them targeting Goldy for DH.
bloomquist4hof
The only way I could see them take on Haniger and Garver is if the Mariners add an additional good prospect or two to whatever he costs, and by good I mean a Ford or Young plus. Arenado still projects to be a good player. Adding Haniger and Garver to the mix could make him really expensive. It could be what it takes to get the Cardinals to budge if it improves their prospect haul, but seems short sighted for the Mariners.
bloomquist4hof
Also makes it significantly more difficult to add in 2026 and 2027 unless they want to up the payroll to to accommodate that.
jbigz12
Why not Raley for DH?
Stevil
Though I don’t think they’ll likely pursue a solid, young first baseman, if they landed one they probably could use Raley as the DH.
But it’s probably going to be cheaper to find a DH and use him at first.
Stevil
I don’t think they’d need to add prospects if they were willing to take on the rest of that contract.
I’m not suggesting Arenado is likely, or even that they should target him, but I think he’s more likely that Goldy.
Just my opinion.
bloomquist4hof
I’d love both of them on the team but don’t see it happening.
NYCityRiddler
Goldy already bought a new razor, is catching a shave & heading to the Bronx. Ahahaha!
Zippy the Pinhead
Trading bad contracts might be the way to go if there are no immediate takers on Arenado. Ford, Garver, and Hancock for Arenado and cash?
Oh, and ffs, move the fences in again.
Smokey the bear
I used to be a sucker and believed in ownership. NO MORE!!
NYCityRiddler
I’m glad you woke up & smelled the power steering fluid, now wake Jerry up & tell him he’s fired. Ahahaha!
TMQ
If the Mariners fired Jerry Dipoto he would be signed by another team within a week. He has managed to build the best rotation in baseball while also building one of the top farm systems in MLB. The issue is our ballpark, we need.to move the fences in.
Mikenmn
One game. I wonder what they could have done with, say, $7M to get that one game. I realize it’s not necessarily linear, but…
Fenway 1
They would be in if they won there precious 54 percent of games
Diggerydoo
This is what happens when you post “ANY” news without any refelcting
M’s said they would raise salary to meet arbitration, THE END…So why blow smoke with all of those walls of BS ?
YankeesBleacherCreature
The Seattle Times article indicates Dipoto doesn’t not plan on adding a big bat and they’ll make trades per usual.
“But our team is as sustainable as it gets, and with very few exceptions, it’s the same way in 2026.” – DiPoto
yukz
what they really need to do is hire a base running coach… They didn’t make this year’s playoffs because of dumb base running plays
C Us Sink
I agree about the baserunning, but the team was far less than adequate in most facets of their game other than pitching. Every game counts, including the ones where Julio got picked off 3rd.
kylek58
I feel like they say this every year and then don’t make any big signings
myaccount2
Well the article says payroll isn’t increasing for big signings, it’s increasing for arb raises. I wouldn’t expect more than a mid-tier move. The good news is we aren’t going to lose any of our top contributors. Hopefully we trade from the farm.
Samuel
myaccount2;
You got it (seemingly the only poster on here that did), then lost it in the last sentence.
The thing about poor franchise baseball heads – PoBO, GM, whatever the title – is that they go balls to the wall with their budget going into the ML season maybe holding back a little to pick up a veteran at the deadline if they’re one of the 22-23 teams still in a race for a playoff spot. Seattle / Dipoto is a senior member of the firm.
So when things go wrong as happens to all teams each year – injuries, players having unexpected poor seasons, etc.; – the floodgates open. Why won’t the cheap owners spend money? Who ever thought [fill in players names] would have a bad season or [fill in players names] would get injured running into walls or diving for balls for no reason, or pitchers ruining something in their body by pitching like it’s the 9th inning of the 7th game of the WS every time they step up on the mound.
The badly run organizations – and the Mariners are surely one – look good for a while but flame out. Then act like something out of their control happened. MLBTR feeds into this always citing the teams payrolls and questioning why they can’t be higher. What the good teams do is not what’s in the comments here – they actually get rid of some high salaries and promote some young, cheap players that can produce but do it for far less money than the veterans they traded away…receiving yet more young players in trade for them to develop.
The Rays are the best at this in MLB. Their owner made his fortune in the markets. Buy low/sell high. Maybe not at the exact low or the exact high, but near them.
In time Randy Arozarena’s contract will be a problem. Jerry Dipoto is what stock market traders refer to as a “bagholder”.
myaccount2
I agree that the Mariners have historically been poorly run, but I disagree when the implication that Dipoto is continuing to run them poorly. I don’t think he’s been fantastic; he’s made too many lateral trades and “creative” transactions that don’t end up beneficial. He’s also done a great job drafting and overseeing the development of the pitching staff while staying flexibility with payroll commitments, and I disagree that he goes ball to the wall with payroll early which hasn’t allowed him to make mid-season moves. He’s traded for Castillo and Arozarena in two of the past three offseasons.
The M’s have plenty of young, controllable talent included in the core: Cal, Gilbert, Kirby, Woo, Miller, Brash, Munoz to go along with already paid Julio. The issue with that core is only one everyday starter is in the young and controllable category.
The M’s (who have struggled to develop bats) shouldn’t trade from their rotation since that would make them worse, so how are they going to improve the roster to support the win-now core if they don’t do that or sign a big time FA with the offensive development struggles?
Seems to me that trading from the farm is the best way to do it. They don’t have to move Emerson, Young, Celesten, Montes, etc. There are more prospects to trade from than the blue chip bats. But I don’t think we need to keep every last propsect bat and hang on to guys like Locklear or Arroyo at the expense of a win-now bat.
Samuel
myaccount2;
I wrote that almost all teams keep money on hand to trade for players at the deadline if they’re in contention for a playoff spot.
To me Castillo was a bad trade. They had pitching. They gave up young players – including position players – that they could have developed to play for less money. Then they extended Castillo so they have that contract on the books for years to come.
Seattle is not a large market. They make moves like the Yankees do (but the Yankees can afford them, although they haven’t been in a WS for 15 years).
–
As for Dipoto’s organization developing pitching:
1st off, if they were so good at it, why did they trade for Castillo? 2nd, they play their home games in the best pitchers park in MLB. This is what I mean when I write that Dipoto doesn’t understand building a team with balance. The team clearly has needed offense for years. That can be done with hitting. It can be done with speed. Mostly it has to be done by internal development, as young players that are under 6 years of team control are the best asset a MLB team can have. You don’t trade those guys away if they’re decent…you make them better.
myaccount2
You also said they go balls to the wall with budget, keeping a bit for a vet addition, and that Dipoto is president of that group. I was addressing that.
“To me Castillo was a bad trade. They had pitching”
“1st off, if they were so good at it, why did they trade for Castillo?”
Adressing these simultaneously: We didn’t have pitching then the way we do now so we needed a pitcher. The pitching development has always been there but became a focal point when deciding to rebuild because Dipoto agreed that more controllable talent was necessary to compete long-term. It was just beginning to bare fruit at that point but we were competing and needed a TOR if we were going to win in the playoffs. Also, successfully developing pitching doesn’t mean they’ll never need an external one again. Would you seriously argue, anyway, that the M’s haven’t successfully developed pitching recently? Kirby, Gilbert, Woo, Miller, and all the pen pieces they rehabbed and traded and/or helped them stay relevant?
“2nd, they play their home games in the best pitchers park in MLB. This is what I mean when I write that Dipoto doesn’t understand building a team with balance. The team clearly has needed offense for years. That can be done with hitting.”
Have they not tried each offseason since entering their contention window to improve the offense? It’s not like the FO is sitting their scratching their butts. They’ve tried to develop guys, hasn’t worked. They’ve tried to trade for guys, hasn’t worked. They’ve went out and signed mid-tier bats, hasn’t worked. They’ve signed cheap bats, hasn’t worked. They’ve brought previously successful players in who have failed in Seattle. The only thing they haven’t done is sign a top of the market bat, which you admit they can’t afford anyway (but did sign Julio to a massive extension).
“You don’t trade those guys away if they’re decent…you make them better.”
So you never trade anyone? You keep every single possible offensive prospect? I’m not suggesting trading Emerson, Young, Ford, Celesten, Montes, etc., but you can’t keep every prospect and can’t give each an opportunity. Some simply need to be moved for a win-now upgrade.
Samuel
myaccount2;
Briefly…..
Thoughtful response. You know a lot.
Great give-and-take.
You’re a great poster.
Thanks.
bloomquist4hof
This is my view on prospects. They need to trade some of them if they want to put together a winner especially on the budget they have. My opinion is they likely have a 3 to 4 year window. Yes developing more guys can help extend that but it’s a gamble that often doesn’t work. I think they should go for it the next few years. It wouldn’t take as much as some people think to piece together a 90 win team but will require moving prospects and spending more. I would definitely hold onto certain players if they think their trade value will increase or there’s a really good chance they can help the team in the near future, and would be leery or overpaying too much for free agents but they need better players now. I think they can still do it the way they’ve been doing things but will take a lot of creativity and has a lot of downside.
TMQ
Players have to hold up their end of the deal as well. I mean look at the 2 players that we moved this last off-season. Gino and Hernandez who both had far better years in 2024 then they did in 2023
bloomquist4hof
Too many starts the likes of Raley, Rojas, Canzone, Bliss, Rivas, Locklear etc and they are probably not a playoff team even if those guys are all potentially fine even in some starting roles. The most they’ll likely get out of the minors is some spot starts or bullpen appearances from someone like Evans or Garcia and maybe a cup of coffee for Cole Young later in the season unless Locklear or Hancock steo forward. I’m sure they’ll dangle Ford due to Raleigh’s presence and players like Arroyo maybe but can’t see Dipoto getting to wheely and dealy with the farm. They need that farm to produce to be more than a couple year window with such low payrolls. I’m sure they won’t extend Polanco, look for ways to dump Haniger and Garver’s contracts and possibly ship Castillo off and trade Rojas to decrease payroll. Haniger and Garver will require them to attach value to dump so that’ll cost some of their trade capitol but and dumping Castillo creates a hole in the rotation. Without a sizable boost in payroll and willingness to part with prospects I think they run a team that is more likely to miss the playoffs than make it. I hope I’m wrong, Jerry is creative and there’s ways to do it.
C Us Sink
If somehow the team could dump Garvers remaining contract, that would be great, but I doubt they would be able to dump both Garver and Haniger.
bloomquist4hof
I don’t either, Garver probably could be moved if they ate a good chunk of what he’s owed and/or added a someone do decrease the amount of cash they need to add, but for Haniger is would take something very creative like trading for someone else underwater contract or adding a lot of trade capital. I’d love to see them add enough payroll to not worry about those two.
C Us Sink
It’s too bad several winters ago they didn’t try to add an impact bat, by having to overpay some. Also, random thought that IF POLANCO could just stay healthy, he could be good. He just wasn’t and never got in a groove. I like the screen name BTW. Port Orchards own Willie.
bloomquist4hof
I think keeping Polanco could be fine if it didn’t preclude then from adding. They have guys to fill in if he’s not hitting and injured again. I just don’t see them exercising his option.
BPax
DiPoto is eying Brandon Drury for a bounce back season.
Also trying Tommy LaStella one more time is possible.
He’s been in contact with Chone Figgins agent.
Nellie Cruz is interested.
He wonders if there’s some hits in Dustin Ackley’s bat still.
Justin Smoak is on line 2.
NYCityRiddler
I forgot about Justin Smoak, that’s funny! Ahahaha!
C Us Sink
You’re forgetting about Bucky Jacobsen, Milton Bradley, Jack Cust, Scott Spezio, and Jeff Cirillo, and Rich Aurillia…
bloomquist4hof
Now your just trying to traumatized us 🙁
C Us Sink
There’s been 48 seasons, and a lot more names like this that didn’t pan out, to add to the trauma…
James123
I would love to see Montez for Kjerstad (Os). Almost makes too much sense IMO. Upside is higher in montes but we are talking about a 1-2 year wait, while Kjerstad gives them a middle of the lineup guy right now with 5-6 years of control (he has been up and down enough i am not sure where his service time currently is). Kjerstad has not real place in the Os lineup right now, so take the guy who will be ready when you need new cost controlled guys
Can we please get a DH?
1B: Raley will strong side a platoon. Potential in-house weak side options include Garver and Locklear. They could also look to resign Turner.
2B: Several angles available here. In FA, they could look to bring in either Torres or Kim. In trade, they could target Lowe, Hoerner or Donovan. Or they could look internal and give Bliss or Young a chance to run with it.
3B: Rojas/Moore is an underwhelming offensive platoon, but provides solid defense. If they could replace Rojas that would be worth targeting, but for the combined $8M they cost, it will be hard to find a better value for dollar (and I imagine the team is hoping that Colt Emerson can push to take 3B in 2026).
DH: Black hole. The team needs to address this. In FA, there are several high value targets: Santander, Alonso and Hernandez being the most appealing. Via trade, the team could look to acquire Yandy Diaz, Josh Naylor, or Brent Rooker.
Can we please get a DH?
Within budget, I could see the team decide to keep Rojas/Moore at 3B, trade Cole Young for Brandon Donovan to address 2B and trade Logan Evans for Josh Naylor.
Lineup:
1. Robles – LF
2. Rodríguez – CF
3. Naylor – DH/1B
4. Arrozarena – RF
5. Raley/Locklear – 1B/DH
6. Raleigh – C
7. Crawford – SS
8. Donovan – 2B
9. Rojas/Moore – 3B
Bench – Garver (C), Canzone (OF)
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
Young for Donovan is horrible young is worth a lot
Can we please get a DH?
I like and value Cole Young. I see a potential future 20/20 2B with above average BA and OBP ability. However, he is still just a prospect who had a .759 OPS at AA. I could see him breaking camp with the club, but also struggling a lot in his debut. However, there is ample reason he is wildly considered a top 50 prospect in baseball.
Donovan, on the other hand, is a realized major leaguer who could very well represent the best Young ever reaches. Donovan put up a .759 OPS last year and has a career wRC+ of 119. He also comes with 3 years of arbitration control. The trade here is readiness now and certainty.
I’d also flag that the M’s have Michael Arroyo as well who arguably has surpassed Young as the 2B of the future after his monster season.
bloomquist4hof
Cole Young is probably 2 years or more before he has a real impact assuming he pans out. Good chance he gets a cup of coffee this year but it’s likely 2026 or 2027 before he makes an impact if the does. Donovan would be a good get but really depends on the cost. I suspect if he costs Young and not a lot else the Mariners would do that in a heartbeat even though I think they really like young.
Stevil
Arroyo is definitely flying under the radar. I think he’s most likely going to take a utility role in the future, but that’s a good thing. He might have the best plate discipline among all Mariner prospects.
C Us Sink
Figure out a way to dump Garver, and I love the Naylor addition.
Stevil
The sales pitch we heard for the ‘step back’ was that money saved would be paid forward. We’ve heard it again and again when needs were clear and free agency had answers, but saw the exact opposite happen every time.
This could be the tale of the Little Billionaire Owner Who Cried Wolf. I’ll believe it when I see it.
That said, they absolutely should be pushing in their chips. Their window is open and limited with this core in place.
Ben K
Pull a Cano and sign Soto to a 10 year deal.
sad tormented neglected mariners fan
They won’t increase it until they sign someone
Mike56
That’s right about the Young for Donovan trade. Cardinals wouldn’t even consider trading Donny unless somebody made crazy offer
martevious
The Mariners don’t need offensive prospects, they need proven offensive players. They need to trade someone to get offense.
jbigz12
Like Jorge Polanco?!?
Travelberries
Payroll will increase but by the tiniest amount. Then Stanton and company can say they did what they said they would and “tried to win”. This isn’t a baseball team to them, it’s a business, and they’re scared to “take a risk” aka actually try to win.
proton
WAIT WAIT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You think we should trade a number 1 pitcher with 4-5 years of control for a SS and 2nd baseman? It is very possible that Young will be ready at least mid season next year. Then Emerson the next and Celestin in 27. JP has SS for the next few years. Which is good if he can have the production from last year. If we can sign a good player that can play 2nd and 3rd we can platoon players there. I want to be in the playoffs as bad as anyone. I don’t want to give up players for positions that will be covered the next couple years.
I said earlier trade Castillo then use that money to get a good infielder. In fact Moore can play 2nd for a good part of the year if need be. 3rd also but Rojas plays a good 3rd. Great platoon type player option along with Moore.
Lastly we don’t need another HR or bust hitter. We need a guy that can get singles and doubles. Need guys to consistently get on base. They say chicks dig the long ball. You know what they dig more? Winning hanging banners and WS rings with a ton of bling. Don’t sacrifice the future when we can fill those spots in a year or two. I know many will disagree but building from homegrown players is the long term way to win long term. 😉
proton
Looking through the FAs for next season maybe Geno will want to comeback if he isn’t picked up. Would be a welcome reunion. Also Polo did so much better the last half of the season for $12 mill is not like that is a horrible deal.
If we pick up Polo sign Geno and Justin Turner that is not a huge expenditure. Would improve the team. I still think we need a single double hitter with 12-20 HRs a year guy. We also do not have to trade guys unless they are named Haniger and Garver. Mitch is a great guy but is done. We could send them to a team that is rebuilding with 3 or so of our higher rated players not the most named players on here. Then get back an older player that the rebuilding team doesn’t need. Trade contracts for a player that works for us and a number of good prospects for them.
PrincessYuki
One thing I hope Seattle has realized is that 116 wins isn’t happening again. If it ever does expect truly magical things.
alabama1992
The Mariners are a joke of an organization. The ownership views their investment as a business, with being successful on the field a distant second to making money. Until they get more pushback from fans, there won’t be any changes.
Chester Copperpot
Fire Dipoto already.
C Us Sink
Fire ownership while you’re at it.
Slothcliff Hokum
1) Ownership will raise payroll, *slightly*.
2) Extra money will be used up for arbitration salary increases, and for necessary contract extensions for Kirby, Gilbert, and Raleigh.
3) GM will say that based on the hitting he saw during the last month of this season, he’s satisfied with the lineup going into next season, so no major moves are needed to acquire hitters. Only sideways moves will be made during Hot Stove League… scrap heap reclamation attempts, salary dumping for questionable returns, etc.
4) Again, poor run support for historically good starting pitching causes the Mariners to miss the playoffs by a game or two.
Unless ownership increases payroll by a large amount (enough to cover in-house cost increases AND acquire higher-dollar players), it’s more of the same old stuff.
NoMoreWindowDressing
The best thing about the M’s is always looking forward to the next season.
boybravo25
here is à plan that almoat by itself improves the team without a single change to the current roster. Ownership needs to bring in the outfield walls. If i was Stanton i would make right field 355 center 399 and left 365
after makìng these chànges i would sign Alex Breghman for 3b. After the above changes i feel more agents and players would be calling to come play here in Seattle. Dont worry that making it a hitter friendly pàrk. Added home runs would add excitement. And with winning profits ŵould be higher. The pitching staff is so amazing why waste a great pitching performance with poor hitting. ŵith my idea i feel even with minor changes to the roater we can win and keep doing so. Ì feel if a player like Julio with his great talent would produce more and be happier if can hit more homers at home. yes we still could use different players at a few infield positions like 1st and 2nd. But can’t many fans agree that with how the weàther effects basebàlls in a outdoor stadium like we have in Seattle. The team would benefit more statisically if the fences came in drastically. In some ways a change like this might seem odd. But wouldnt a higher rise in extra base hits would be good for à team that should be close to contention. I am willing to bet if these changes are made more wins and better extra base hit numbers would increase. As long as the pitchers do the same have done the last couple years we could see not only first playoff appearance for Seàttle in years but our window could stay same for i say a good 2 or 3 years minimum and if keeps going same we could replace either Tx team from dominating the west division.
BabyBoyBlueDiamond
True Mariners fans aren’t interested with a BS vague statement that “team salary will likely rise this offseason”. WE ALL KNOW it’s PR talk. It’s a sandwich lacking real filling. Their payroll will increase naturally because of arbitration realities. They won’t bring Polanco back. They have garbage contracts in Haniger (he’s obviously going to activate his player option), Garver, and Urias. This organization has lost ALL credibility and they don’t care. They’re going to force feed the fanbase their PR garbage and hope most fans forget what they just got done watching. They have the core pieces to make a real run but lack the balls to pull the trigger on the final moves required. This story isn’t even a story. They’re not raising payroll to truly help the team get over the hump. They’re pathetic.
TMQ
Utter nonsense, the players have to held accountable as well. We made the moves to win last off-season but the guys we added simply didn’t hit. Then the 2 guys we got rid of (Gino/Hernandez) did better in 2024 then 2023.
MLBTR needs to hire editors
What a disastrous sentence this is: “An increased payroll, then, doesn’t necessarily signify the looming addition of any large salaries to be acquired via free agency or trade.”
So wordy. “Then” unnecessarily obfuscates what’s already a verbose sentence that is much less clear than it could be. Adams needs to be under a more watchful eye for his unwieldy writing.