With the 2025 MLB Draft just five days away, uncertainty is the name of the game. For the first time in years, there is no clear No. 1—no Paul Skenes, no Travis Bazzana to headline the class this time around. The Washington Nationals and the Los Angeles Angels hold the top two spots. They even seem to be having a foggy draft board, and with the Seattle Mariners sitting at No. 3, the pressure is mounting. Now, the Mariners are known for the bold draft decisions in the last few years. But now they are at a crossroads, because the stakes are high and the options are, well, confusing.

Right now, across the baseball world, different pictures are circulating about the draft pick. But no one seems to agree on what Seattle will do. Bleacher Report and The Athletic are at a crossroads, it seems, and each has a different speculation.

In the middle of this storm is a confident slugger from Oregon State—Aiva Arquette. He began his college journey in Seattle at the University of Washington but transferred south to Oregon State. There, he exploded offensively. With a 6-foot-5 frame and a bat that spoke loudly with 19 home runs and a 1.115 OPS this season, his name has climbed in the mock boards.

Keith Law of The Athletic believes the No. 3 would most probably be Arquette. But since he also named Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle for the spot, the uncertainty looms. “I believe this would be Arquette or Kade Anderson, or maybe Liam Doyle if those two guys happen to go 1-2. Ike Irish would be a potential under-slot pick here,” Law penned down.

Now, sure, Arquette’s size may be atypical for a shortstop, but his steadiness and his upside are huge—he is probably one of the most advanced college hitters. But while Law leans more towards the experience, others are betting on projection now.

Interestingly, Bleacher Report’s latest mock, Seattle is projected to go in a different direction altogether. According to them, they would go after Seth Hernandez, a high school pitcher from California.

A Vanderbilt commit, this right-hander is considered to be the top prep arm in the nation and maybe the best overall high school talent. He is armed with a blazing fastball and polished command, especially for their age. He is the kind of player that teams build a rotation around. Now the Mariners have a decision to make—one that can shape their franchise for years to come.

Will the Seattle Mariners make a bold choice or a safe one this trade deadline?

The Seattle Mariners have the goods. They have nine top-100 prospects and a fan base that is hungry for October glory. The front office might just bite the bullet and shake things up this time. ESPN recently stirred the pot, giving a spicy suggestion: go get Ronald Acuna Jr. Yep—the former MVP and one of the most electrifying players in the game.

While the idea sounds like pure fantasy, ESPN pitched the idea that if Acuna becomes available, Seattle, with a stacked farm system, can have an advantage. The proposed deal is a haul including Colt Emerson, Bryce Miller, Harry Ford, Lazaro Montes, and Brandyn Garcia. This, honestly, is not a simple trade—it’s a mic drop. Because Acuna can transform Seattle’s lineup so much that they can be World Series contenders. It is bold, and hence it has everyone buzzing. But if you let the dream simmer a little, another player enters the conversation. Someone more realistic: Carlos Santana.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Guardians are expected to move the veteran slugger, and given Seattle has a soft spot for the guy. Mariners might remember him from his 2022 stint, 15 home runs, and plenty of vibes. And at 39 years old, sure, he may not light up the scoreboard, but he brings experience, some serious power, and clubhouse presence.

This season, Santana has 10 homers and 38 RBIs—so not bad at all. So, what do you think Seattle will do? Go big or play smart?