The Seattle Mariners are facing a critical deadline as seven of their players must agree to contracts by Thursday at 10 a.m. PT in order to avoid arbitration. Failure to reach agreements will lead to the exchange of contract figures, potentially straining player-team relationships, as seen in Corbin Burnes' situation with the Milwaukee Brewers prior to his trade to the Baltimore Orioles.

Among the players needing contracts are Randy Arozarena, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Cal Raleigh, Tayler Saucedo, Trent Thornton, and Gabe Speier, with Arozarena's arbitration estimate peaking at $11.5 million.

This arbitration process is crucial for the Mariners, especially as they aim to manage their budget closely this offseason. The organization, which finished the previous season with an 85-77 record and narrowly missed playoff contention, has yet to invest in free agency, making these negotiations even more significant.

The Seattle Mariners are expected to make significant changes to their bullpen by Opening Day on March 27. Key players like Gregory Santos are returning from injuries, while Matt Brash is projected to rejoin the team by July after Tommy John Surgery.

Five relievers are up for arbitration, including Austin Voth, whose future with the Mariners remains uncertain despite solid advanced pitching metrics. Voth's performance in high-pressure situations has been notable, but his inconsistency could lead to a non-tender decision.

The Seattle Mariners concluded the 2024 season with an 85-77 record, falling short of the playoffs for the second consecutive year. Despite high hopes and the addition of players like Luke Raley and Jorge Polanco, the team's offense struggled to back its strong pitching staff.

Injuries plagued the Mariners, with key players such as Matt Brash and Gregory Santos missing significant time. Notably, the pitching staff set records for high-velocity pitches, showcasing their potential despite the disappointing season.