Wednesday, February 12

SEATTLE -- Spring Training is finally on the horizon, and for the Mariners, their incredibly -- albeit expectedly -- quiet offseason will come to an end Wednesday, when pitchers and catchers undergo physicals at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona. They’ll be joined on Feb. 18 by position players, though some have already descended on the desert.

Seattle essentially plans to run it back with virtually all of the group it ended the 2024 season with, minus Trade Deadline acquisition Justin Turner and platoon third basemen Josh Rojas and Luis Urias, and relievers Austin Voth and JT Chargois.

“We didn’t anticipate a great deal of movement around the team,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto recently told reporters. “We’re still open to adding if the opportunity to add exists out there. But we feel like this is a good team, and if this is our team going into Spring Training or Opening Day, we’re pretty excited by it.”

That’s one of three major storylines entering camp.

1. Did Seattle do enough this offseason?

Whether outsiders agree with the front office’s logic, the decision-makers are clear with their conviction to a strong offensive finish in 2024. But after missing the postseason for two consecutive years, each as the first team on the outside looking in, this question can’t truly be answered until this October.

With roughly only $15 million to work with in roster spending this winter, the Mariners added Donovan Solano ($3.5 million) and returned Jorge Polanco ($7.75 million) on one-year contracts. But they steadfastly kept their elite rotation intact, and it’s a group they believe can catapult them in any playoff series. 

Yet it’s objectively a roll of the dice, especially with many proven players at specific positional needs either signing or traded elsewhere because they were out of Seattle’s price range.

2. Wilson’s first camp

Taking over amid turmoil when replacing nine-year manager Scott Servais in late August, Dan Wilson now firmly has the keys to the car, and it’ll be fascinating to see how he handles his first spring, especially given that he’s been a regular fixture at this time of year from his previous roles.

In coordination with Dipoto and general manager Justin Hollander, Wilson has assembled a coaching staff with much more old-school tendencies, headlined by the return of Edgar Martinez in his new role as senior director of hitting strategy and the hiring of longtime Braves hitting coach Kevin Seitzer to the same role in Seattle.

The simple messaging they preached over the final five weeks of last season that players say resonated will be a focal part to Seattle’s offensive success, and it’ll finally be on display in Arizona with the new group.

3. Eyes on the farm

Though second baseman Cole Young (No. 49) is the lone representative among Seattle’s MLB Pipeline Top 100 Baseball Prospects expected to vie for playing time this season, countless faces of the future will be in camp and worth following.

Colt Emerson (No. 20), Lazaro Montes (No. 42), Harry Ford (No. 65), Felnin Celesten (No. 74) and Michael Arroyo (No. 98) will all be there and should get a chance at Cactus League playing time.

Fresh off his election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and ahead of what will be a season full of celebration for the franchise icon, Ichiro Suzuki will be in the house to reprise his role by throwing the ceremonial first pitch on Opening Day.

Suzuki returns for the March 27 game against the Athletics, with first pitch slated for 7:10 p.m. PT, three years after he hurled one of the Mariners’ most memorable ceremonial first pitches of recent memory. In 2022, Suzuki dressed in full uniform from his ’01 season in Seattle and fired an 84.5 mph dime to start that season. 

Fittingly, Ichiro made his Major League debut with Seattle against the Athletics on April 2, 2001, and played in his final career game with Seattle against the Athletics on March 21, 2019.

The Mariners previously announced that Ichiro Hall of Fame Weekend will take place at T-Mobile Park this summer, which includes Ichiro Hall of Fame Funko POP! 3-day Giveaway (Aug. 5-7), Ichiro Jersey Night (Aug. 8), Ichiro Number 51 Retirement Ceremony Night (Aug. 9) and Ichiro Hall of Fame Plaque Day (Aug. 10).

• A first glance at the Mariners’ potential Opening Day roster. Read more >

• Enjoy Mike Petriello’s deep dive on the ballpark effects at T-Mobile Park a few weeks ago? He has another piece out this week illustrating which ballparks and players were most impacted by weather -- specifically wind. Read more >

• Shohei Ohtani recently threw off a mound, with a two-way return in sight. Read more >

Opening Day tickets

As part of the Opening Day festivities, the Mariners recently announced that Ichiro will be throwing the ceremonial first pitch! Be here for one of the biggest events of the season at T-Mobile Park on March 27. Buy Tickets >

Promotions on deck

The Mariners have a great slate of promotions during the first homestand! Don’t miss your chance to score a Randy Arozarena Crossed-Arm Hoodie, a Hello Kitty Bucket Hat and a Julio “Bat Flip” Bobblehead. Buy Tickets >

Season ticket memberships

Level up your Mariners experience this season with a membership! Choose a Flex or Reserved plan to unlock access to exclusive presales, year-round discounts, ticket flexibility with no fees and so much more. Learn More >

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