2 Mariners who've played their way onto Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

Spring training is always full of surprises. Some players start hot, while others struggle out of the gate. For the Seattle Mariners, this spring has been no different.

It takes time for the dust to settle before a team can determine who has earned a spot on the Opening Day roster and who might need more time in the minors, or even a fresh start elsewhere. Preseason roster projections often go out the window as unexpected performances shake things up.

With standout performances and some disappointing showings, roster decisions are beginning to take shape. Let’s take a look at two fringe players who have likely secured their spot with the Mariners, and two who may have played their way out.

2 Mariners who have played their way onto the Opening Day roster

Ryan Bliss

Coming into spring training, Ryan Bliss was seen as a challenger for the Mariners' role at second base, potentially pushing Dylan Moore for playing time. While his potential has always been intriguing, Bliss entered camp as an unproven major leaguer, having logged just 33 games at the highest level. But so far this spring, he’s done nothing but answer the call.

Bliss is hitting .350 with seven hits in 20 at-bats. While he hasn’t homered yet, he does have some sneaky pop in his bat. More importantly, he’s forming a tandem with shortstop J.P. Crawford, showcasing his defensive range and reliability. His ability to handle second base with confidence has Mariners coaches excited for the season.

If his production continues, Bliss could become the Mariners’ everyday second baseman in 2025. And the best part? His emergence doesn’t push Moore out of the picture. Instead, it allows the Mariners to use the 2024 Gold Glover in the super-utility role he has thrived in, maximizing roster flexibility.

Miles Mastrobouni

Mastrobuoni’s addition in the offseason didn’t generate much buzz for Mariners fans. Many saw him as a depth piece likely to shuttle between Triple-A Tacoma and Seattle. But he's quickly changed that narrative with his strong performance in spring training.

Known as a plus defender but a weak hitter, Mastrobuoni came into camp with a career batting average of .219 and finished 2024 below the Mendoza Line. However, his contact-driven approach has stood out in a Mariners lineup looking to cut down on strikeouts. So far this spring, he’s hitting .438 (7-for-16) with four RBIs, a triple, and most impressively, zero strikeouts.

His disciplined plate approach aligns perfectly with the Mariners’ revamped offensive philosophy. Originally projected as an up-and-down depth option, Mastrobuoni is forcing the Mariners’ hand, making a strong case for a bench role on Opening Day as a backup to Jorge Polanco at third base.

2 Mariners who have played their way off of the Opening Day roster

Eduardo Bazardo

In February, Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times predicted Bazardo would break camp with the Mariners as part of manager Dan Wilson's relief corps. But with plenty of competition for just a bullpen spot or two, he needed a strong showing.

Instead, he’s struggled, allowing five hits and five earned runs over just 3.1 innings. With so many arms vying for limited roles, performances like that simply won’t cut it. And after Bazardo finished strong with a 1.80 ERA last September, the disappointment is palpable.

Cody Bolton

Bolton’s case is a bit different. He was just optioned on Monday despite not allowing a run over four innings this spring. The problem? Three walks in those four innings. With the Mariners’ pitching staff built on precision and control, struggles with command will be a dealbreaker.

While Bolton is no longer in the Opening Day mix, he could still work his way back to the big leagues later this season if he refines his mechanics.

Coming into spring training, it seemed like the Mariners had one, maybe two bullpen spots open. But as camp progresses, it looks more and more like there could be some serious turnover in the middle relief corps.

So, who will step up? That will come down to these questions:

• Could a non-roster invitee make a strong case?
• Could veteran Drew Pomeranz reclaim some of his former dominance?
• Or could prospect Brandyn Garcia, a promising young lefty with the ability to eat multiple innings, secure a spot?

With two weeks of spring training left, there’s still time for more surprises. One thing is for sure: when the Mariners take the field on Opening Day, there will be new faces in the bullpen, and fans should be excited about the possibilities.