Mariners fan favorite defects for new deal with AL West rival

First reported by MLB insider Jon Heyman, former Mariners utility man and fan favorite Sam Haggerty is staying in the AL West—but not in Seattle. Haggerty has signed a minor league deal with the Mariners' division rival, the Texas Rangers.

Since being claimed off waivers in 2020, Haggerty has been the epitome of a pesky player, always finding ways to make an impact beyond the box score. Beloved for his versatility and all-out hustle, he became a staple of the Mariners’ "chaos ball" identity, thriving as a spark plug on the basepaths and a defensive Swiss Army knife. Whether filling in across the infield or outfield, stepping up amid injuries, or riding the wave of a hot streak, Haggerty always found a way to contribute.

His best stretch came in 2022, when he played a key role in Seattle’s long-awaited playoff return, injecting energy into the lineup. He never started more than 49 games that season and topped out at a career-high 83 appearances, but whenever he took the field, the crowd was behind him. Even in his follow-up season in 2023, though his offense regressed, Haggerty still posted an above-average 104 OPS+ after netting a 116 mark in '22. It was only last season where he truly disappeared.

Former Mariners spark plug Sam Haggerty signs with Texas Rangers after Seattle non-tender

Unfortunately, the Mariners non-tendered their speedy, fan-favorite outfielder ahead of the MLB deadline, ending Haggerty’s tenure in Seattle. His 2024 season was derailed early after struggling at the plate, leading to a demotion to Triple-A Tacoma, where his year came to an abrupt end in May due to a torn ACL. Occasionally, following non-tenders, there can be an open door for a reunion on a minor-league deal. Haggerty (or the Mariners) clearly preferred to take a different route.

Now, with a fresh opportunity in Texas—the very team off which he once slammed an electric inside-the-park home run—Haggerty looks to revive his career and earn another shot at the big leagues. Meanwhile, the Mariners have bolstered their utility infield stockpile in a recent trade with the Cubs, leaving no room to consider bringing him back. We wish him nothing but the best—and, of course, an "0-for" performance when facing Seattle.