The Seattle Mariners’ payroll heading into 2026 carries a familiar feeling: just enough to be optimistic, but never enough to be reassuring. The projected $162 million figure is an improvement over 2025, but still places Seattle in the middle of MLB ā the same “lane” the franchise has been in for years.
In theory, that shouldn’t be a problem. The Mariners just had an impressive 2025 season, added Brendan Donovan in a long-awaited trade, and possess a roster strong enough to dream of World Series. A strong team doesn’t need to scrutinize its wallet, does it?
That feeling only lastedā¦ until Wednesday night.
The Detroit Tigers surprisingly signed Framber Valdez to a three-year, $115 million contract ā an AAV of $38.3 million, higher than the combined 2026 salaries of Cal Raleigh and Julio RodrĆguez. This is a major blow not only to the pitching market, but also to the perception of Seattle fans. If Tarik Skubal resolves the salary cap issue, the Tigers will open the season with a payroll of approximately $209 million ā nearly $50 million more than the Mariners.
And that’s where the inevitable question arises: why Detroit, and not Seattle?
The Mariners play in a bigger market. Their 2024 revenue is about $59 million higher than the Tigers. Any explanation for the complex financial structure is partly true ā but it doesn’t erase the strange contrast of a less advantageous team being willing to spend more in the championship race.
The Valdez signing reveals an uncomfortable truth: the Mariners don’t lack the ability to build a team, they lack the courage to spend within their budget. Looking back at the offseason, only Josh Naylor was a “budget-friendly” addition. But if the $200 million mark is the target, retaining Jorge Polanco and Eugenio SuĆ”rez is entirely feasible. Seattle could then have room to upgrade their backup catcher instead of Andrew Knizner, or even truly strengthen their right field.
This isn’t a criticism of Jerry Dipoto. The Mariners’ GM has already done a lot in 2025 with the budget allocated. And it’s fair to say that the 2026 payroll isn’t the final figure. Owner John Stanton gave the green light to add Naylor and SuĆ”rez by last season’s deadline ā and could very well do the same this summer.
But history is still there. Less than a year ago, the slogan “Sell the Team” resonated throughout the Mariners community. It subsided as the team won more games, with Donovan’s arrival, and hope returned. However, that hope is fragile if it comes with the feeling that the team is always confining itself to its “safe zone.”
Ironically, the Tigersāthe Mariners eliminated in the 2025 playoffsāare a prime example of the other path. SkubalāValdez didn’t guarantee the silver trophy, but it sent a clear message: we’ll pay the price to increase our chances of winning.
Seattle may still be very strong. But every time a direct competitor pulls ahead with real money, the Mariners force fans to look at the “potential team” instead of the team they currently have. And if that continues for a World Series-or-bust year, patience will be the first to run out.
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