This story was excerpted from Daniel Kramer¡¯s Mariners Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

SEATTLE -- ¡¯Tis the season for resolutions, reflection and optimism for what¡¯s ahead in the new year, and that¡¯s particularly true for the Mariners, who are looking to overcome consecutive years of shortcomings and return to the postseason in 2025.

That said, and despite the long-expected plan to run it back with most of the club's 2024 core, Seattle¡¯s front office is still rounding out its roster ahead of Spring Training. The Mariners remain in the market for multiple infield bats, specifically a first baseman to potentially pair with Luke Raley and some combination of a second and third baseman, depending on the specific player(s) and fit.

With all that in mind, here¡¯s a lookahead to the upcoming season, with just six weeks until pitchers and catchers report in Peoria, Ariz.

One (realistic) free agent who could be a perfect fit: RHP Roki Sasaki
The Japanese phenom appears on this list for all 30 clubs more than any free agent, and for good reason. Given the affordability of his eventual contract¡¯s limitations, Sasaki¡¯s agent has suggested the right-hander is more open to smaller-market teams than was initially forecast. And that¡¯s amid the extreme demands for starting pitching this offseason.

But the Mariners believe they can separate themselves by pitching (pun intended) the success of their homegrown starters like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo, their ability to keep those arms healthy, their rich relationships with Japanese-born players -- and their home environment being one of the least hitter-friendly ballparks in the sport.

One player poised to have a breakout season: Julio Rodríguez
Though it might sound like a stretch to call the 2022 AL Rookie of the Year Award winner, two-time All-Star and the face of the Mariners¡¯ franchise a breakout candidate, consider that Rodr¨ªguez has had extended stretches of inconsistency at the plate over the past two seasons, and that Seattle¡¯s offense, in many ways, runs parallel to his highs and lows.

Rodr¨ªguez finished 2024 on a high note, slashing .313/.364/.537 in his final 34 games with nine of his 20 home runs -- which he said was related to interim hitting coach Edgar Martinez taking over. With Martinez returning, and Rodr¨ªguez a little more seasoned, the Mariners are banking on him taking an even bigger leap in his age-24 season.

One prospect to watch in 2025: INF Ben Williamson
An under-the-radar Draft pick in 2023 who signed below slot value to account for a bevy of Seattle¡¯s first-round selections, the former College of William & Mary standout is rapidly on the rise in a farm system currently ranked No. 9 by MLB Pipeline.

Entering his age-24 season, Williamson (Seattle's No. 15 prospect) is older than most of his prospect peers, but as such, he is more seasoned, and president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto hinted at the Winter Meetings that Williamson could be in play for a big league role this season.

Last year, Williamson climbed from High-A Everett to Double-A Arkansas, where he slashed .272/.365/.374 in 95 games. His biggest calling card, however, is his elite defense at third base.

One prediction for the new year: The AL Cy Young winner will come from Seattle¡¯s rotation
Gilbert was the Mariners¡¯ only arm to receive votes for the American League¡¯s most prestigious pitching honor, but that could change this season, especially given Seattle¡¯s blossoming reputation across the industry of possessing arguably the game¡¯s best starting staff.

The Mariners¡¯ rotation led MLB in ERA (3.38), innings (942 2/3), quality starts (92), strikeout-to-walk ratio (3.84) and OPS against (.650). Gilbert continues to get better, Kirby has been in the Cy Young race in each of the past two years, Miller and Woo have emerged among the sport¡¯s most talented young arms, and Luis Castillo -- if he¡¯s not traded -- has been one of the true workhorses.

It all points to the potential for a Mariners vs. the field type of year for the AL Cy Young.