With World Series over, here’s a look at Mariners’ offseason schedule

31 Oct 2024, 12:17 by Ryan Divish · The Seattle Times

After the Yankees’ midgame implosion in the Bronx, allowing the Dodgers to rally for a World Series-clinching victory, the 2024 Major League Baseball season officially came to an end.

For the Mariners and their fans, their 2024 season ended after game No. 162 of the regular season. Now the offseason and preparation for next season can officially begin. It’s being met with a mixture of anxiety and anticipation.

What will the team do to improve on a team that failed to make the postseason for a second straight year?

Here are some important offseason dates to watch in the weeks ahead:

Oct. 31

The first day after the World Series means that all players, who have expiring Major League contracts, become free agents. The Mariners have two players on the 40-man roster, who will become free agents:

Justin Turner, first base/DH
Yimi Garcia, RHP

There is a five-day window to allow teams to exclusively negotiate with their expected free agents on a possible reunion before other teams can make contact or offers. While it is set up as an opportunity for teams to make a last chance at keeping those players in the organization, it’s rare that a team signs a player to a new deal during that time. Most players that reach free agency, particularly first-time qualifiers, want to explore the open market for the best possibly opportunity.

The Mariners have expressed interest in bringing back Turner, who they acquired at the trade deadline. The front office recognized the value of his presence in the clubhouse as a veteran leader and his professional approach to hitting and at-bats as much as his production at the plate. Turner, who turns 40 on November 23, has no plans on retiring and enjoyed his time with the Mariners. While he mentioned interest in returning and would like to play on the West Coast, he will certainly look for the best opportunity in terms of playing time and chance to win another World Series.

This is also the first day that MLB teams can make trades involving Major League players. For Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto, it’s like the gates opening at Disney Land. Even in offseasons where he wasn’t expected to be active on the trade market, Dipoto has still made numerous trades to make changes to the roster.

Nov. 3

Rawlings will announce their 2024 winners of the Gold Gloves in a one-hour broadcast on ESPN beginning at 5:30 p.m. (PT).

The Mariners had two players named as finalists for the prestigious awards at their respective positions – catcher Cal Raleigh and utility player Dylan Moore.

Raleigh is considered the favorite to win over fellow finalists Jake Rogers (Detroit) and Freddy Fermin (Royals). He led MLB in games caught (135) and innings caught (1,122). But it wasn’t just about volume. He was outstanding behind the plate. For the second straight season, he led MLB in catcher caught stealing, throwing out 26 runners on stolen base attempts. Since the stat was tracked, only Raleigh, Jim Sundberg (1975-76) and Hall of Famer Gary Carter (1982-83) have led MLB in back-to-back seasons.

The ultra-versatile Moore played in 135 games, appearing at six positions — shortstop (49), third base (45), second base (37), left field (22), first base (11) and center field (1). When regular starting shortstop J.P. Crawford went on the injured list on multiple occasions and second baseman Jorge Polanco dealt with knee and hamstring issues, Moore stepped in as the starter. He started 38 games at shortstop and 24 games at second base. He also served as the right-handed platoon option at third base later in the season. The other finalists for the award are Mauricio Dubon of the Astros and Willi Castro of the Twins.

Platinum voting will be held on Rawlings.com from Nov. 3-7th

Nov. 4

The fifth day after the World Series marks the end of the “quiet period” for teams negotiating with their expected free agents. Teams are free to meet and sign any player that’s classified as a XX (B) free agent per the MLB-MLBPA collective bargaining agreement. Yankees outfielder Juan Soto headlines a class that also features Astros third baseman Alex Bregman and Brewers shortstop Willy Adames.

This is also the deadline for MLB teams to return all players on the 60-day injured list back to the 40-man roster, meaning a spot needs to be opened. The Mariners will likely make those roster moves in the days leading up to the deadline. Seattle currently has four players on the 60-day injured list:

Matt Brash, RHP (Tommy John surgery)
Jackson Kowar, RHP (Tommy John surgery)_
Yimi Garcia, RHP (right elbow neuritis)
Sam Haggerty, IF (torn achilles)

It’s also the deadline for players and teams to accept or decline any contract options for the 2025 season. The Mariners have two players with significant options for the 2025 season. Mitch Haniger, who was reduced to a part-time outfield role by the end of the season, has a $17.5 million player option for 2025 that he will exercise for next season. No player is going to walk away from that much guaranteed money for a season.

The Mariners must decide whether they want to exercise a $12 million player option on second baseman Jorge Polanco. The veteran switch-hitter recently underwent arthroscopic surgery on his troublesome left knee. He posted 0.3 FanGraphs WAR in 2024, appearing in 118 games.

Also on that Monday, the finalists for the Silver Slugger awards are announced by Louisville Slugger via X, formerly known as Twitter. Of the Mariners candidates, only Raleigh stands out as a candidate to be a finalist. The National Baseball Hall of Fame is also expected to announce the person Classic Baseball Era Ballot.

Nov. 5

The annual MLB general managers meetings will begin at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. The three-day event will feature rules meetings, while a front office official – usually a general manager or president of baseball operations – from each team will be available to the media in a group session.

MLB will also name the MLB executive of the year at an awards banquet.

Nov. 8

Rawlings Gold Glove Dinner in New York City and announcement of Platinum Gloves.

Nov. 11

The finalists for the annual BBWAA Awards – MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year — will be announced live on MLB Network at 3 p.m.

Nov. 12

The winners of the Silver Slugger Awards will be announced live on MLB Network at 3 p.m.

Nov. 13-16

The All-MLB Weekend returns in Las Vegas as part of an agreement with MLB and MGM Resorts. The All-MLB Team Show will be held Nov. 14 at the Chelsea Theater in The Cosmopolitan. The event will include the announcements of the All-MLB First and Second Teams, the Hank Aaron Awards, the Mariano Rivera/Trevor Hoffman Reliever of the Year Awards, the Edgar Martinez Outstanding Designated Hitter, and the Comeback Players of the Year.

Nov. 18

The winners of the BBWAA Jackie Robinson Rookies of the Year will be revealed live on MLB Network at 3 p.m.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame will announce the BBWAA ballot for the class of 2025. Headlining that ballot will be Ichiro Suzuki, who is in his first year of eligibility and a lock to gain induction. The only drama will be if he’s a unanimous selection. Also debuting on the ballot is lefty CC Sabathia, who is also expected to gain induction.

Nov. 19

The winners of the BBWAA Managers of the Year live will be announced live on MLB Network at 3 p.m. .

The deadline day for any free agents, who were given qualifying offers from their respective teams, to accept or decline the 1-year contract.

Nov. 19-21

The owners from the 30 MLB teams will meet in New York City for annual meetings. There is expected to be some news about potential changes to rules on the field, including the addition of pitch appeals using the automated ball-strike system. There also could be more clarification from MLB’s role in producing game broadcasts for teams that were part of the Diamond Sports bankruptcy saga.

Nov. 20

The BBWAA Cy Young Awards will be announced live on MLB Network at 3 p.m. PT. Left-hander Tarik Skubal, who pitched at Seattle University, is expected to be the unanimous winner for the AL Cy Young Award after a brilliant season for the Detroit Tigers. Skubal was just the 21st pitcher to lead his respective league in wins (18), strikeouts (228) and ERA (2.39). Seattle’s Logan Gilbert should finish in the Top 10 in voting.

Nov. 21

The annual BBWAA Most Valuable Players will be announced live on MLB Network. Shohei Ohtani is expected to take home the NL Honors after winning the AL MVP last season. It would be his third MVP award. Meanwhile, New York’s Aaron Judge will likely win the AL award for the second time in his career.

Nov. 22

The deadline day for MLB teams to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players for the 2025 season. The two sides don’t have to come to an agreement on the actual salary figure.

The Mariners currently have a whopping 12 players eligible for salary arbitration, which projects as a significant bump to their payroll – most notably Raleigh and George Kirby entering their first year of eligibility and the midseason addition of Randy Arozarena. Here is their year of arbitration and projected possible salary from the algorithm created by MLB Trade Rumors with the help of a former MLB agent.

Austin Voth (3rd year): $2.2 million
JT Chargois (3rd year): $1.7 million
Luis Urias (3rd year): $5 million
Trent Thornton (3rd year): $2.1 million
Randy Arozarena 2nd year): $11.7 million
Josh Rojas (2nd year): $4.3 million
Sam Haggerty (2nd year): $900,000
Logan Gilbert (2nd year): $8.1 million
Tayler Saucedo (1st year): $1 million
Cal Raleigh (1st year): $5.6 million
Gabe Speier (1st year): $900,000
George Kirby (1st year): $5.5 million

Teams not wanting to enter negotiations with an arbitration-eligible player can simply non-tender (not offer a contract), making the player a free agent. An arbitration-eligible player cannot make less than he did the previous season.

Urias leads the possibilities of non-tender candidates on this list of players. He made $5 million last season. Acquired in a trade from the Red Sox before he was non-tendered by Boston last season, Urias had a disappointing season as platoon third baseman, eventually being sent down to Triple-A Tacoma.

Relievers Trent Thornton, Austin Voth and Tayler Saucedo are also possible non-tender candidates as the Mariners try to monitor a payroll budget that isn’t expected to significantly increase in 2025.

Dec. 2

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announces the committee that will vote on the ball of the Classic Baseball Era Non-Players. It usually consists of Hall of Fame players, baseball writers and former front office members.

Dec. 8

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announces the Classic Baseball Era Committee election results.

Dec. 9

The annual Major League Baseball Winter Meetings begin in Dallas at the JW Marriott Arts District in Dallas.

Dec. 10

The MLB amateur draft lottery will be held live on MLB Network at 2 p.m.

Dec. 11

The MLB Rule 5 Draft will be held at 11 a.m.

Jan. 2

The National Baseball Hall of Fame will announce the BBWAA Voting Results on MLB Network.