THE FRONT ROW with JASON ELLIOTT: Time for that talk again

“Refuse to Lose.” 

“Tridents Up.” 

“Seize the Moment.” 

The Seattle Mariners will try anything to get fans excited about the season. 

It didn’t take too long into the offseason for that to happen for 2026. 

IN CASE you missed it, and I doubt anyone did, the Mariners signed first baseman Josh Naylor to a five-year deal earlier this week. 

Seattle traded for the slugger right before the trade deadline last season, and his impact made him the top priority to bring back this year. 

From the time he arrived, there was just something different about the team. After struggling through most of July on the road, the team almost looked invincible when things mattered in September. 

Almost a week later, Seattle traded for Eugenio Suarez, reuniting the former Diamondback teammates for the stretch run. 

As for what changed, it seemed like the Mariners stopped playing with weight on their shoulders. For a while, it just seemed as if the players were having fun again, much like you’d see with a group of Little League players. 

Winning helps, but actually enjoying going to work, and the players you’re with can go a long way. 

It helped keep Naylor. 

And maybe it can work on a few more players this offseason. 

Sure, it helps that the team was one win away from going to the World Series, and heading back to Toronto with a 3-2 lead, probably should have. 

Things happened, and that didn’t happen obviously. 

Toronto also came close to its first title since 1993, but was beaten in seven games by the Los Angeles Dodgers, who swept Seattle in the final weekend of the season in Seattle. 

OUTSIDE OF a few pieces here and there, Naylor’s signing might have been the biggest commitment to a free agent since Seattle signed Robinson Cano to a 10-year, $240-million deal in 2013. 

So you’ll understand if Mariners fans might be a little more than giddy that the team committed to trying to win this time around. 

And, the team might not be done yet. 

Depending on which expert you listen to, the Mariners could sign a second baseman, a third baseman or make a blockbuster trade to land Detroit Tiger ace Tarik Skubal in a trade. 

It’s a great dream, but pretty far-fetched at this point that Skubal ends up in Seattle. 

To make that happen, Seattle will have to part with a top prospect, or three, to land Skubal, who played collegiately at Seattle University. 

It could mean losing a pitcher like Bryce Miller, or a catcher like Harry Ford, who will likely be tasked with backing up Cal Raleigh in 2026. 

A task all that more important considering just how valuable Raleigh is for the Mariners, and whatever success they have. 

WHEN THE Mariners retired Ichiro’s No. 51 in August, he told the team that they had the pieces in place to win a title. 

All they had to do was “Seize the Moment.” 

Well, they were close.

Next spring, Seattle will retire No. 51 again when Randy Johnson gets honored in early May. 

And I’m sure he’ll have some words for the team that night as well. 

Refuse to Lose, sure. We’ve heard it before. 

This time, it seems the team means it.

Jason Elliott is a sports writer for The Press. He can be reached at 208-664-8176, Ext. 1206 or via email at [email protected]. Follow him on ‘X’, formerly Twitter @JECdAPress.