The Athletic sends a message Mariners fans desperately wanted to hear

Oct 19, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor (12) reacts after hitting a home run in the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during game six of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesThe offseason is functionally over for the Seattle Mariners, and the general consensus seems to be that it was a very good one. Heck, they even gotten an "A+" grade from one outlet.

There's nothing wrong with healthy skepticism, however. Both Jorge Polanco and Eugenio Suárez are gone, after all, and those losses could end up hurting in 2026. And even among the players the…