The Seattle Mariners fanbase will experience a mix of emotions. Seattle announced this morning that they will release outfielder Mitch Haniger.
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Mitch Haniger
“Mitch has been a significant part of Mariners history and will be missed,” Dipoto said in the statement. “The day he arrived for his first spring training back in 2017, he established himself as one of the most focused, prepared, and hardest working players I’ve ever been around. We all appreciate the many ways he’s made us all better, on the field and off.”
Haniger was due to receive 15.5 million this upcoming season and was in the final year of his three-year contract. The deal agreed upon was with the San Francisco Giants. It brings an unfortunate end to Haniger’s tenure with Seattle. He was a class act. Haniger helped the Mariners reach the playoffs for the first time by writing an article in the Players Tribune. He stated that the Mariners would end the drought in 2021. They would do just that
“Putting on a Mariners uniform and playing at T-Mobile Park is something I’ll cherish forever,” Haniger said in his statement. “To our fans, my teammates, and everyone a part of this organization, thank you for embracing my family and me. We have so many great memories to look back on.”
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Trade
The Mariners originally acquired Haniger in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. A trade that sent Ketel Marte and Taijuan Walker in exchange for Jean Segura, Zac Curtis, and Haniger. Marte has blossomed into a star with Arizona, and Haniger himself had a successful career in Seattle. Haniger often plagued with injuries throughout his career, has remained productive and hit .254/.329/.457 with a 115 wRC+ throughout his six years with Seattle.
The former All-Star struggled mightily in the past two seasons, hitting just .208/.286/.334 with a wRC+ of 85 in 2024. Haniger this spring sustained an injury leading to him only playing in seven games. He was likely not going to make the big league roster this season. The release of Haniger opens up a spot on the 40-man roster. Rody Tellez is a name to watch for Haniger’s now open spot.
