Ahead of the 2026 season, the Seattle Mariners have avoided arbitration with two key players, reaching one-year agreements with left fielder Randy Arozarena and right-handed pitcher George Kirby, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post and Robert Murray of FanSided. The moves provide roster stability as Seattle looks to build on one of the most successful seasons in franchise history.
Arozarena agreed to a one-year, $15.65 million contract, while Kirby will earn $6.55 million for the 2026 season. Both deals allow the Mariners to retain core players without the uncertainty and possible tension of arbitration hearings.
Arozarena’s 2025 Season
During the 2025 season, the Mariners captured the AL West title, advancing deep into the postseason. They fell just short of the franchise’s first-ever World Series appearance. A major factor in that success was Arozarena, who earned his second career All-Star selection and his first as a Mariner. He was joined on the All-Star roster by teammates Andrés Muñoz, Bryan Woo, and Cal Raleigh.
Offensively, Arozarena got off to a slow start. The 30-year-old struggled out of the gate, batting just .211 through his first 60 games. As the season progressed, however, he found his rhythm and became a consistent presence in the middle of the lineup. He finished the year hitting .238 with a .760 OPS, while also adding 27 home runs and 31 stolen bases.
His combination of power, speed, and aggressiveness on base give Seattle a dynamic offensive weapon. Especially during the second half of the season. Arozarena also provided steady defense in left field, using his athleticism and strong arm to contribute on both sides of the ball.
Unfortunately, Arozarena was not able to carry that momentum into the postseason. He struggled at the plate, hitting just .188 with an OPS of .574, driving in only two runs and hitting a single home run. However, his overall versatility still makes him an important piece in Seattle. If he can find his game early in 2026 and sustain it throughout the season, he could once again help the team make another deep playoff run.
The new contract marks a significant raise for Arozarena. It also sets him up well as he heads toward free agency following the 2026 season. For the Mariners, the deal ensures an impactful player remains in place as they build off of their 2025 momentum.
George Kirby
Seattle also avoided arbitration with starting pitcher George Kirby. The 27-year-old right-hander will receive a $2.25 million raise despite experiencing the most challenging season of his MLB career. Kirby dealt with a shoulder injury in 2025 and finished the year with a 4.21 ERA and a 3.37 FIP.
Even so, the Mariners continue to view Kirby as a key player in their rotation. A four-year veteran, Kirby boasts a career record of 45–34 with a 3.58 ERA. He was named an All-Star in 2023 and has recorded three consecutive seasons with double-digit wins, reinforcing his long-term value to the organization.
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