Jerry Dipoto, the Seattle Mariners' mastermind, has just been crowned MLB Executive of the Year! After a stunning turnaround, taking the team from underdogs to nearly World Series contenders, Dipoto's strategic brilliance is undeniable. But the question on everyone's mind is: What's next for the Mariners?
Dipoto's award recognizes his remarkable work in building a competitive roster. Key moves, like bringing in Josh Naylor and Eugenio Suarez mid-season, significantly boosted the team's performance.
Impressively, even before December's first week, Dipoto had already secured a top priority by signing Josh Naylor and strengthening the bullpen with a high-leverage left-handed reliever. But he's not resting on his laurels.
As Dipoto himself humorously admitted on MLB Network, he's eager to make another move. He revealed, "We're still engaged in the free agent market. I would venture to guess either via free agency or trade, we will add one more bat, hopefully within the next seven days."
He elaborated on the team's strategy, highlighting the roles of young infielders Cole Young and Ben Williamson. "Ben is, we think, an elite defender now, and he got us through a rough patch last year. And, particularly with a team that's starting to gradually shift toward more ground ball orientation than fly ball, which we have predominantly been in the past, having a third baseman that can really pick it is really important. Ben can do that. Cole is one of the bright young stars at his position in the game. He's just going to play his 22-year-old season, and he can really hit. Both of them got their first taste of it last year. We'd like to continue to give them a taste, but we want to take some of the pressure off with a veteran bat who's been there. It could be a third baseman, could be a second baseman, or some combination of those positions... who can take some of the pressure off their bat and keep us an elite offense."
This plan is becoming clearer with the Mariners' active offseason. Dipoto also discussed a major trade involving top prospect Harry Ford, who was sent to the Washington Nationals for high-end reliever Jose Ferrer.
"Ferrer is a guy that we had identified going into this offseason," Dipoto said of acquiring Ferrer. "He was the number one target for us in terms of the bullpen. He is just 25 years old. He's played two-plus years as a major leaguer. He'll touch 100 (mph), sits around 97.98. He's got crazy sink, keeps the ball in the yard on the ground. There's a lot there to like, and he's with your club for the next four years or more, and that's an exciting element."
But here's where it gets controversial... This move meant parting with Ford, a prospect highly regarded within the organization. Dipoto explained, "Obviously, it's tough to give up a prospect like Harry Ford. We love Harry, born in our system, who came through our system. He's a wonderful human being, and I think he's got the potential to be an everyday impact player, but it wasn't going to happen with us," noting that Cal Raleigh's presence as the team's catcher complicated Ford's path.
Dipoto believes this was the best way to make an immediate impact in 2026. The Mariners are clearly all-in.
And this is the part most people miss... The team is now awaiting Jorge Polanco's decision and considering various options, hinting at a potentially historic offseason for the Mariners.
What do you think of Dipoto's moves? Do you agree with the trade of Harry Ford? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
