It is now official.
By Adam Jude
Seattle Times staff reporter
How the Mariners’ new-look infield would take shape was perhaps the biggest question heading into spring training in February.
As opening day approaches Thursday, there is some clarity on who will fill the roles at first base, second base and third base.
There is still uncertainty, though, about how playing time will shake out throughout the infield, and much of that will depend on game-to-game matchups and player performances.
Here are the infield options going into the opening series against the Athletics:
Who’s on first?
Rowdy Tellez changed the conversation for the Mariners at first base, and at DH too.
When the Mariners made the decision Sunday to release veteran outfielder Mitch Haniger, it was clear that roster spot was going to Tellez.
On Tuesday morning, the Mariners formally added Tellez to the 40-man roster.
“Rowdy’s had an outstanding spring … and we’re excited to to go north with him,” manager Dan Wilson said Monday.
The 30-year-old left-handed slugger is scheduled to make $1.5 million after signing as a non-roster invitee last month, two days after the start of camp.
“I just thought this was a really special team from watching them, playing against them, seemed like a really good environment. And I think a big thing for me is I wanted to be part of something that they could go all the way,” Tellez said earlier this month. “So whatever they ask of me, I don’t know what they’re going to ask of me. I don’t know what it’s going to be, but I just want to be the best teammate, best player I can, day in and day out, whether that’s coming off the bench to do whatever I need to do, or playing every day.”
Tellez figures to get the bulk of his at-bats at DH, but he does have the most experience at first base (496 games) of anyone on the roster. He hasn’t graded out particularly well with the advanced defensive metrics, but he’s shown this spring that he’s at at least capable with the glove.
The Mariners value the defensive versatility of Luke Raley, an outfielder for the majority of his career who has worked diligently to improve his defense at first base. Raley could also split time at DH, but having him as the DH means he wouldn’t be able to move to a position on the field in a late-game situation, if needed.
Veteran infielder Donovan Solano is a backup at both corner infield spots and is expected to start at first base against left-handed
Bliss wins second-base job
Going into spring camp, the only real open competition was at second base, with Dylan Moore, Ryan Bliss and Leo Rivas the three top candidates there.
Bliss was one of the bright spots of spring and the 25-year-old has earned the first opening-day roster spot of his career.
Bliss has made some mechanical adjustments with his swing, and he looked more comfortable against major-league pitching this spring, hitting .308 with a .787 OPS in 40 plate appearances.
In his brief time with the big-league club last season, Bliss showed high-end foot speed (he ranked in the 82nd percentile in sprint speed, per Savant) and his base-running skills fit in with Wilson’s aggressive plans on the bases.
One area to monitor with Bliss is his defense, which has been a work in progress this spring. He’s worked closely with infield coach Perry Hill to clean up
Moore, meanwhile, will return to his super utility role. The Mariners value his elite defense, his pinch-hitting and his pinch-running off the bench.
Rivas was optioned to Triple-A Tacoma on Sunday.
Polanco settling in at third
After offseason knee surgery, Jorge Polanco had a delayed start to spring training, but the 31-year-old switch hitter played regularly over the past two weeks and appeared to settle in defensive at third base after making the transition from second.
Polanco hit a line-drive home run from the right side on Monday, and he had five multi-hit games in his final nine spring appearances.
Dogged by injuries in 2024, the Mariners are hopeful the move to third base can help keep Polanco’s legs fresher this season.
Miles Mastrobuoni will also make the opening day roster as a utility player. He gives Wilson a left-handed bat off the bench, and he can play multiple positions on the infield and outfield, including third base.
Moore and Solano could also see time at third at various points this season.
Mariners’ projected Opening Day lineup (vs. A’s RHP Luis Severino):
1. Victor Robles, RF
2. Julio Rodriguez, CF
3. Cal Raleigh, C
4. Randy Arozarena, LF
5. Luke Raley, 1B
6. Jorge Polanco, 3B
7. Rowdy Tellez, DH
8. Ryan Bliss, 2B
9. J.P. Crawford, SS
