Nicole: Julio Rodriguez is a superstar, sure. But look at the infield. Look at the pitching staff. With Dan Wilson gone and Joe Espada on the interview block, the real battle isn't in October—it's right now, in Spring Training tryouts. Who keeps their jersey? Who gets sent down? We’re breaking down every position group.
Kevin: It’s a crowded house in Seattle. You’ve got proven veterans like J.P. Crawford and Logan Gilbert, but you’ve also got rising talents like Cole Young and Ryan Bliss pushing for everyday roles. The front office has to make hard choices before November even ends.
Nicole: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Nicole, and this is your daily dive into the world of baseball. Today, we are tackling the Seattle Mariners’ biggest roster battles. If you missed our chats about Dan Wilson’s firing or the ABS challenge system last week, catch up—because those decisions set the stage for what we’re discussing today.
Kevin: Exactly. We talked about the managerial carousel, and now we’re looking at the personnel. From the catching battery to the rotation depth, there are spots up for grabs. And remember, our prediction stands: if they manage these battles well, that 78-84 projection for next year might actually be optimistic.
Nicole: Here is what we’re covering: First, the second base showdown between Cole Young and Ryan Bliss. Second, the catcher’s dilemma with Cal Raleigh versus Willie MacIver. And third, who makes the bullpen out of that massive group of arms?
Kevin: We’ll also touch on the outfield mix with Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles, and why Logan Gilbert’s final start against the Angels might have been the perfect capstone to a weird season.
Nicole: Let’s get into it. Segment One: The Infield. Specifically, second base. Cole Young started 140 games here last year, right? Or did he?
Kevin: He was the guy. He’s young, he’s got power, and he played a lot. But Ryan Bliss has been knocking on the door. It’s not just about who plays more; it’s about platoon splits and defensive range. The Mariners need both, but maybe not at the same time.
Nicole: So, Cole Young is the incumbent. He’s only going to be in his early twenties. Do you really think Ryan Bliss takes the job away from him entirely?
Kevin: I don’t think it’s a take-away. I think it’s a competition for value. Cole Young brings that elite defense and speed. But if Bliss can hit lefties better—and his numbers suggest he can—he becomes a weapon off the bench or a platoon partner. You don’t bench Cole Young unless you have to.
Nicole: Right. And then you have Brendan Donovan and Leo Rivas floating around too. Donovan is versatile, which is nice for Joe Espada if he gets hired. But does he start over Cole Young?
Kevin: No. Donovan is a super-utility player. He’s great, but he’s not the everyday second baseman. Cole Young is the future. Leo Rivas? He’s interesting because he can play third and short too. This infield is so deep it’s almost ridiculous.
Nicole: It is wild. Michael Arroyo at shortstop, J.P. Crawford still there... wait, is Crawford still on the roster?
Kevin: He is listed. But let’s be real. J.P. Crawford is a veteran leader. If he’s healthy, he’s starting. But Brock Rodden is also there. And Michael Toglia at first base with Josh Naylor? That’s another battle. Naylor is an All-Star caliber bat. Toglia is raw power.
Nicole: Josh Naylor is a monster. I love his swing. But Toglia has that raw pop. If the Mariners want to compete for a division title again, they need Naylor’s consistency. Can they keep everyone?
Kevin: They can’t keep everyone. That’s the hard truth. They’ll likely carry four infielders who can play multiple spots. Naylor starts at first. Cole Young starts at second. J.P. Crawford at short. And whoever wins the third base spot—Patrick Wisdom, Weston Wilson, or Leo Rivas—gets the nod based on how they handle the heat.
Nicole: And Patrick Wisdom? He’s known for the home runs. But can he hold a spot defensively?
Kevin: That’s the question. Wisdom provides offense, but if he’s gapping balls in the hole, you’re hurting your run prevention. The Mariners won the AL West with good pitching and defense. They won’t sacrifice that for pure power. So, Wisdom is likely a bench bat unless he shows he can play third safely.
Nicole: Okay, so Cole Young is the guy. But what about the catching situation? Cal Raleigh is one of the best in the game. Is there any doubt?
Kevin: Raleigh is the starter. Period. His pitch framing, his ability to call a game, and his own batting are top-tier. But Willie MacIver and Jhonny Pereda are there. MacIver has upside. He’s young, he’s athletic. He could push Raleigh for playing time later in the season if Raleigh slumps.
Nicole: MacIver had a solid minor league track record. Do you see him getting significant MLB at-bats?
Kevin: I see him as the backup. But if Cal Raleigh gets injured—or even just needs rest—MacIver is ready. Pereda is more of a developmental arm. He might spend time in Tacoma, but if he shows he can handle big-league pitching, he’s valuable depth.
Nicole: Got it. Raleigh is the anchor. Now, let’s talk about the outfield. Julio Rodriguez is obviously locked in. But who is behind him? Randy Arozarena, Victor Robles, Lazaro Montes...
Kevin: Arozarena is a force. Even though he’s in left field, he’s a key part of the lineup. Victor Robles has that explosive speed and power. But can he stay healthy? That’s always the concern. Lazaro Montes is a rookie who showed flashes. Dominic Canzone and Taylor Ward are DH options.
Nicole: Taylor Ward is coming from the Angels, right? He’s a veteran presence. Does he start over Robles?
Kevin: Ward is excellent defensively and a smart hitter. He might start more often than Robles, especially against left-handed pitching. Robles is a platoon piece or a late-game defensive replacement. It’s a strong outfield group, but depth will be tested.
Nicole: Alright, let’s pivot to the pitching staff. This is where the Mariners have been strong. George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo. Who is locking down the rotation?
Kevin: Kirby and Gilbert are your top two. They are workhorses. Kirby has that incredible command and ground-ball rate. Gilbert has the strikeout stuff. Bryan Woo is the ace-in-waiting. He’s got elite stuff. Bryce Miller is solid number three. These four are your core.
Nicole: And Emerson Hancock? He’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Where does he fit?
Kevin: Hancock is risky. He has high upside, but his control has been spotty. He’s likely a fifth starter or a long reliever. Kade Anderson and Carlos Vargas are also in the mix. Anderson has been reliable in limited action. Vargas is young and improving.
Nicole: Robinson Ortiz? He’s been out for a while. Is he back?
Kevin: Ortiz is rehabbing. He’s talented, but he’s not ready for the big leagues yet. Troy Wilcox is another name, but he’s more of a bullpen arm. The rotation is set enough that the competition is really for the sixth spot.
Nicole: Okay, so the rotation is mostly decided. Let’s move to Segment Two: The Bullpen Wars. There are so many arms here. Andres Munoz, Hoby Milner, Cooper Criswell... who makes the team?
Kevin: Munoz is the closer. No debate. He’s dominant. Milner is the setup man. He’s consistent. Then you’ve got a huge group: Seranthony Dominguez, Jose Ferrer, Michael Rucker, Josh Simpson, Gabe Speier, Troy Taylor, Cole Wilcox, Eduard Bazardo.
Nicole: That is a lot of arms. How do you cut it down? What are the criteria?
Kevin: You look for versatility and recent performance. Rucker has been electric when healthy. Dominguez has experience. Simpson is a lefty specialist. Speier is reliable. The front office needs to decide who can handle high-leverage situations and who is purely middle relief.
Nicole: And what about the ABS challenge system? Did that affect how they view their pitchers?
Kevin: It definitely matters. Pitchers who can miss bats and avoid walks are more valuable now. If a pitcher relies on umpire errors, he’s in trouble. The Mariners’ staff is disciplined, which helps. They don’t give up free passes easily.
Nicole: Logan Gilbert struck out eight in his final start. That’s exactly what we want to see. He’s a strikeout artist.
Kevin: He was phenomenal. Four no-hit innings, eight strikeouts. That’s the kind of dominance that secures your spot. He’s heading into next year as a clear Ace.
Nicole: So, Munoz, Milner, Rucker, Dominguez, Simpson, and Speier seem like the safest bets. Who gets cut?
Kevin: Probably Bazardo or Wilcox. They’re depth pieces. If injuries happen, they’re called up. But for the opening day roster, it’s likely the six guys I mentioned plus one or two flex arms.
Nicole: Makes sense. Versatility is key. Okay, let’s head to Segment Three. Roster cuts and predictions. Who is trending up? Who is trending down?
Kevin: Trending up: Cole Young. He’s earned his spot. And Josh Naylor. He’s a force. Trending down: Anyone who doesn’t show improvement in spring training. The bar is high.
Nicole: What about Victor Robles? He’s been injury-prone. Is he safe?
Kevin: Robles is on thin ice. If he’s not 100% healthy by Opening Day, he’s starting in the minors. The Mariners have too much talent to risk it. He needs to prove he’s durable.
Nicole: And what about the manager change? Does Joe Espada change the roster dynamics?
Kevin: Espada is a hitting coach background. He loves offensive production. He might favor players like Naylor and Young over defensive specialists. But he also knows how to develop young talent. He’ll likely stick with the core but push for more aggression.
Nicole: So, Espada means more offense. That fits with the Mariners' identity. But can they maintain their defense?
Kevin: They have to. Their defense is what won them the division. If they lose that, they’re just another offensive team. The balance is everything.
Nicole: Alright, we’re winding down. Before we go, we need to ask for your help. Our show is free, daily, and driven by fans like you. If today’s breakdown helped you understand the Mariners’ path forward, consider chipping in to keep us running. Just click the link in the episode description. Every bit helps us keep this content alive and ad-free for you.
Kevin: Thanks for listening. We appreciate every listener who supports us. It means the world.
Nicole: That’s a wrap on our Mariners roster battles. Remember, Cole Young is the guy, Munoz is the closer, and Espada is watching. Subscribe, rate, and review wherever you listen. Go Mariners!