Ahead of the 2026 MLB season, the Seattle Mariners took a proactive step to solidify their roster by reaching one-year agreements with two important contributors, left fielder Randy Arozarena and right-handed starting pitcher George Kirby. By finalizing these deals before arbitration, the organization avoided potential disputes while ensuring continuity following one of the most successful campaigns in franchise history. The agreements were first reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post and Robert Murray of FanSided.
Under the new contracts, Arozarena will earn $15.65 million in 2026, while Kirby is set to make $6.55 million. Both players remain central pieces of Seattle’s core, and the Mariners’ front office clearly prioritized stability as the team looks to build on its recent momentum.
The 2025 season was a breakthrough year for Seattle, highlighted by an American League West division title and a deep postseason run that came just shy of the franchise’s first World Series appearance. Arozarena played a major role in that success, earning his second career All-Star selection and his first as a Mariner. He shared that honor with teammates Andrés Muñoz, Bryan Woo, and Cal Raleigh, underscoring the strength of Seattle’s roster.
Arozarena’s regular season was a tale of two halves. The 30-year-old outfielder struggled early, batting just .211 through his first 60 games. As the season progressed, however, he found his groove and emerged as a key presence in the middle of the lineup. He wrapped up the year with a .238 batting average and a .760 OPS, while showcasing his trademark blend of power and speed with 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases. His aggressive baserunning and improved consistency gave the Mariners a dynamic offensive threat, particularly in the second half of the season.
Beyond his offensive contributions, Arozarena also provided reliable defense in left field, using his athleticism and arm strength to impact games on both sides. While his postseason performance was disappointing—he hit just .188 with a .574 OPS and drove in only two runs—his overall versatility and upside remain undeniable. If Arozarena can establish consistency earlier in 2026, he has the potential to be a driving force behind another playoff push. The new deal also represents a significant raise and positions him well as he approaches free agency after the season.
Seattle also finalized a deal with George Kirby, avoiding arbitration with the 27-year-old despite a challenging 2025 campaign. Kirby battled a shoulder injury and posted a 4.21 ERA, though his underlying metrics, including a 3.37 FIP, suggested better performance than the surface numbers indicated.
Even with those struggles, the Mariners continue to see Kirby as a cornerstone of their rotation. A four-year MLB veteran, he owns a career record of 45–34 with a 3.58 ERA and earned an All-Star nod in 2023. His track record of durability and three straight seasons with double-digit wins reinforce his long-term value to the organization.
By reaching agreements with both Arozarena and Kirby, the Mariners have emphasized continuity and confidence in their core as they prepare for another competitive run in 2026.
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