With the MLB season now over a third of the way finished, the Seattle Mariners might soon begin to think about ways to revamp their roster as they prepare for what is sure to be another tight race down the stretch with the Houston Astros in the American League West.
With that comes the excitement of new acquisitions and callups, like Cole Young's promotion on Saturday. However, it also comes with the unfortunate reality that some players might have to go, and soon. Here are eight players who the Mariners might have to cut ties with by the end of June as they look for ways to improve the roster.
1. Donovan Solano
Solano might be the most obvious candidate to lose his roster spot, although it would require the team to find a new platoon partner for Rowdy Tellez — or trust him to play every day. However, it's not hard to see why the Mariners should move off Solano. He's been worth -0.5 bWAR, hitting .173 and slugging .200. He has scored just two runs and driven in two in 34 games.
2. Miles Mastrobuoni
Although he does have positional flexibility, having played second base, third base and both corner outfield spots this year for the Mariners, Mastrobuoni might not have much time left in Seattle. He's sporting a .604 OPS, with just four extra base hits in 45 games. Unlike Solano, Mastrobuoni does not have a track record of success. In his career, he owns a .559 OPS and has hit just two home runs across four seasons.
3. Collin Snider
Snider was valuable for the Mariners in 2024, with a 1.94 ERA across 42 relief outings. However, things have taken a turn for the worse in 2025. He has been worth -0.8 bWAR, holding a 5.47 ERA and a 1.443 WHIP in 26.1 innings of work. However, Snider does not have any options left, so sending Snider to Triple-A Tacoma is not an option. The team could hold onto him longer before they designate him for assignment.
4. Leody Taveras
Taveras only joined the Mariners after multiple injuries to right fielders Victor Robles and Luke Raley. However, Raley may return by the end of June, and Taveras has not done himself any favors at the plate. The 26-year old outfielder has hit .188 since coming to Seattle, and with just four walks on the year, his .214 OBP is not much better. There's almost no reason to keep Taveras around after Raley returns, and there is even an argument that Dominic Canzone should replace Taveras right now. Canzone has hit 12 home runs in Triple-A, and looks healthy again after a brief IL stint.
5. Ben Williamson
It will be very interesting to see just how long a leash Ben Williamson has. The 24-year old was called up in April and has been playing almost every day since then. Billed as an elite defender with a weak bat, Williamson has essentially fit that mold. Despite a .276 OBP and .301 SLG, Williamson has been worth 0.3 bWAR due to his defense. At the same time, if his bat gets any colder than it already is (71 OPS+), he might be in need of a reset in Tacoma.
6. Mitch Garver
Going into the season, it looked like Garver would probably ride out the second year of his contract with the Mariners as their full-time backup catcher. Simply because of the money he's owed, it would not make much sense for the Mariners to cut him. However, prospect Harry Ford might just force their hand. Garver is rocking a .579 OPS, which is somehow worse than his .627 mark last year. Ford, meanwhile, is slashing .317/.431/.472 in Tacoma and has been heating up.
7. Jackson Kowar
Perhaps it is unfair to include Kowar on this list, as he just recently returned from injury and has only played in three games so far. However, Kowar's spot in the bullpen is by no means a gaurantee. In his career, he holds a 8.65 ERA, which is far from desirable.
8. Bryce Miller
The wildcard here is Bryce Miller. He pitched like a borderline ace last season, but he has struggled so far in 2025. I'm not suggesting the Mariners would send Miller to Triple-A, but if his struggles continue after his recent IL stint, it is possible the team could shut him down.
Miller holds a 5.36 ERA in nine starts. And at just 43.2 innings, he's averaging less than five innings per start. If he can not be counted on for a reliable five innings, he probably should not be on taking up space on the roster. And with injuries already a concern, it's worth wondering how much longer the team will risk his health.
