Mariners’ Plans for Donovan Solano and Luke Raley Signal Roster Shifts for 2025
According to Daniel Kramer of MLB.com, Solano’s role isn’t to become the team’s everyday second baseman. Instead, the Mariners see him as part of a platoon at first base, sharing duties with Luke Raley.
This revelation raises questions about the Mariners’ offseason strategy, particularly their reported interest in Justin Turner. Could this indicate that negotiations with Turner have stalled or gone cold? As mentioned in the most recent podcast of Keep It Electric if Solano is slated for first base duties and Raley is being taken out of the outfield mix, the Mariners seem to be solidifying Raley as their primary first baseman for the foreseeable future.
Raley’s emergence at first base also complicates the future of Tyler Locklear, a promising young prospect who made a brief MLB debut in 2024. Many fans, myself included, expected to see more of Locklear in 2025, but this latest development hints at a potential shift in plans. With Raley under team control for three more years, the Mariners appear content to give him a long-term shot at first base, potentially blocking Locklear’s path to the majors.
For Locklear, who is 24 and among the older group of Mariners’ prospects, this could mean another year of seasoning in the minors—or perhaps a move as part of a trade package. His value remains high, but if he’s not in Seattle’s immediate plans, the team could look to leverage him to fill other pressing needs.
Speaking of needs, the Mariners still have gaps to address on their infield roster. If they want to contend in 2025, more moves will be necessary to shore up their lineup, especially in the middle infield.
As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the Mariners continue to build their team. Will they make a splashy move to address their infield needs? Will Locklear stay in the organization, or could he find a new home? One thing is certain: we can’t assume the Mariners are done making moves.
