Fansided · Dec 29, 2025
Where the Mariners' payroll stands entering 2026 (and what it means)
Colorado Rockies v Seattle Mariners | Steph Chambers/GettyImagesThe Seattle Mariners began their offseason by teasing that payroll would not go down for the 2026 season. And rightfully so. After the 2025 club came just eight outs shy of the franchise's first World Series, doubling down was frankly the only way forward.
As for how things are going, there's bad news and good news.
According to FanGraphs, the Mariners are projected to spend $156.8 million on their Opening Day payroll for 2026. That includes guaranteed salaries, projected arbitration salaries, and odds and ends such as buyouts for Mitch Garver and Jorge Polanco.