3 Mariners that could follow former Blue Jay Dave Stewart’s advice this offseason

Dave Stewart had an exceptional 16-year career, during which he pitched for five teams (Angels, Rangers, Phillies, A’s, and Blue Jays).  He posted a career 3.95 ERA, 1,741 strikeouts, and held batters to a .251 batting average against him. In 1992, Stewart and the Oakland A’s faced off against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALCS.

The Blue Jays would win the series, and then move on to the World Series, defeating the Atlanta Braves 4-2 for their first championship. The following offseason, Stewart would sign with the Blue Jays, joining a formidable team that'd repeat as champions the following season.

The Blue Jays are the current top team in the American League after defeating the Seattle Mariners 4-3 in a stressful Game 7 of the ALCS. The Mariners can now focus on the 2026 season, and have several impending free agents who would be fits for the Blue Jays next season.

3 Seattle Mariners that could follow Dave Stewart’s advice this offseason

Josh Naylor - 1B

If Bo Bichette is not extended, Naylor would be an attractive addition. Although his power production decreased from a career best 2024 season (31 home runs and 108 RBIs), he was able to increase his on-base production. He slashed .295/.353/.462 with 10 home runs, 92 knocked in, and an .815 OPS with both the Arizona Diamondbacks and Mariners this season. He was perfect at 19-for-19 on stolen base attempts, although he is not known for his speed.

The 28-year-old is also an exceptional first baseman, as displayed by key plays in the ALCS. Over the regular season, he had a .995 fielding percentage with 915 putouts and only had five errors. The Blue Jays have Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at first base, but Naylor could be a designated hitter and relieve Guerrero Jr. at first base.

Plus, Naylor offers another left-handed bat in the lineup. Spotrac has Naylor (3 years, $45 million) evaluated as a cheaper option than Bichette (8 years, $186 million). Acquiring the first baseman will be extremely difficult, as he will be a popular target if the Mariners don't extend him.

Caleb Ferguson - LHP

Ferguson had a stellar second half of the season, coming over from the Pittsburgh Pirates. With the Mariners, he posted a 3.27 ERA and had a 17:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 22 innings. A left-handed arm would be welcome in a season when Brendon Little was often the only lefty available out of the pen.

Little threw a career-high 68.1 innings, while Eric Lauer was needed to join the starting rotation with the injuries to Bowden Francis and Alex Manoah recovering from Tommy John surgery he had in 2024.

Mason Fluharty (4.44 ERA) and Justin Bruihl (5.27 ERA) made appearances this season, but both struggled. Ferguson would be a cheap option to bolster an already good bullpen and is only 29 years old. This cheap deal means he'll be in high demand.

Jorge Polanco - 2B

Polanco had his best season since 2021, hitting .265/.326/.495 with 26 home runs, 78 knocked in, and an .821 OPS. The 32-year-old would likely be on a one-year contract due to his age and the potential lockout after the 2026 season. He has an $8 million player option he may accept for reaching a plate-appearance incentive, though he may have earned a bigger payday with his play this season. With his age, this will likely be his last chance for a more lucrative deal.

Polanco could fill in at second base, allowing Ernie Clement to return to third base and Addison Barger to right field. Polanco could also fill in at designated hitter if needed. If he does opt out, the Blue Jays wouldn’t be the only team vying for the switch-hitter.