The Seattle Mariners have made a significant roster move by releasing outfielder Mitch Haniger, a player who has been a key part of their lineup for several years.
This decision comes as Haniger was entering the final season of a three-year, $43 million contract initially signed with the San Francisco Giants. Despite his contributions to the Mariners’ history, persistent injuries and recent underperformance have led to this outcome.
Both Haniger and the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, shared heartfelt statements reflecting on his time with the team.
Let’s delve deeper into the details surrounding this release and its implications for both Haniger and the Mariners.
Haniger’s Mariners Tenure: A Look Back
Mitch Haniger first joined the Seattle Mariners during the 2016-17 offseason in a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This deal also brought Jean Segura and Zac Curtis to Seattle, while sending Ketel Marte and Taijuan Walker to Arizona.
Haniger quickly established himself as a dedicated and hardworking player, contributing significantly to the team both on and off the field.
Impressive Early Years
During his initial years with the Mariners, Haniger showcased his talent and potential. From 2017 to 2022, he played in 530 games and posted a batting line of .263/.337/.480 with a 124 wRC+.
His standout season came in 2018 when he achieved a 137 wRC+ and earned a spot in the All-Star game. That year, he also finished eleventh in the AL MVP voting, thanks to his impressive 5.0 fWAR/6.5 bWAR season.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Injury Struggles
Despite his early success, Haniger’s tenure with the Mariners was marred by injuries. These setbacks limited his playing time and affected his performance on the field. Nevertheless, he remained a productive player when healthy, earning the respect and admiration of his teammates and fans.
The Giants Era: A Brief Stint
Following the 2022 season, Haniger entered free agency and secured a lucrative three-year, $43 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, his first season with the Giants was plagued by injuries, including a fractured forearm, oblique issues, and back problems.
As a result, he played in only 61 games and posted a disappointing .209/.266/.365 batting line.
A Return to Seattle
In a surprising turn of events, the Giants traded Haniger back to the Mariners along with right-hander Anthony DeSclafani in exchange for Robbie Ray during the offseason. This trade reunited Haniger with the Mariners, sparking hope for a potential comeback.
However, his struggles continued as he played in 121 games and posted a .208/.286/.334 batting line, marking his second consecutive season with negative WAR.
Competition and Release
Heading into the 2025 season, Haniger faced stiff competition for a spot on the Mariners’ roster. The team had acquired Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles, who secured the outfield corners, leaving Haniger to compete for the designated hitter role.
Unfortunately, he fell behind Mitch Garver and non-roster invitee Rowdy Tellez during spring training. He hit just .167/.250/.389 in seven games before being sidelined by shoulder soreness.
Decision to Release
Given his recent performance and injury history, the Mariners decided to release Haniger, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams. This move provides Haniger with a chance to potentially revive his career with a new organization, while the Mariners can focus on their current roster and future prospects.
Impact on the Mariners
The release of Mitch Haniger marks the end of an era for the Mariners. His contributions to the team over the years have been significant, and he will be remembered for his dedication and hard work.
However, the Mariners are now looking ahead, building a roster that can compete at the highest level.
Future Prospects
With Haniger’s departure, the Mariners will rely on players like Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles to anchor their outfield. Additionally, the competition for the designated hitter role remains open, providing opportunities for other players to step up and make an impact.
Haniger’s Career Outlook
At 34 years old, Mitch Haniger faces an uncertain future in Major League Baseball. While his recent performance has been below expectations, there is still potential for him to contribute to a team willing to take a chance on him.
A minor league deal could provide Haniger with the opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a spot on a major league roster.
Potential Suitors
Several teams in need of outfield depth or a veteran presence could be interested in signing Haniger. His experience and past success make him an intriguing option for teams looking to add depth to their roster.
A healthy and motivated Haniger could still provide value, especially in a reduced role where he can focus on staying healthy and contributing when needed.
Conclusion
The release of Mitch Haniger by the Seattle Mariners is a significant development in the world of baseball. It marks the end of his time with the Mariners and opens the door for new opportunities. Both Haniger and the Mariners will be looking to the future, hoping for success and growth in the seasons to come. For more details on this story, visit MLB Trade Rumors.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews