Mariners insider provides update on team's second base competition

The Mariners’ second base situation has mirrored the emotions of the fan base this offseason—uncertain, restless, and waiting for clarity. Throughout the winter, speculation swirled around whether the front office would make a significant move to upgrade the position. Publicly, the organization acknowledged the need for improvement, fueling rumors of external additions. Yet, as Spring Training unfolds, the battle for second base remains an internal one, setting up a competition between Dylan Moore and Ryan Bliss.

For Bliss, the uncertainty wasn’t lost on him. Mariners insider Adam Jude of the Seattle Times caught up with the infielder to discuss the offseason’s uncertainty.

“I’m not naive to what was going on,” Bliss admitted. “But it is nice and comforting to know that I have a shot to go out there and just show them what I can do. That’s all I want to do — show them.”

And that opportunity is exactly what lies ahead.

As things stand, Moore enters camp as the frontrunner for the starting second base job. Over his six-year career in Seattle, Moore has carved out a valuable role as the Mariners’ super-utility player. His defensive versatility, speed, and occasional pop have made him an asset, while his offensive inconsistency has left questions about whether he can handle an everyday role.

Moore, however, believes second base is where he is most comfortable, and last season’s flashes of brilliance offer some optimism. During a 19-game stretch, he slashed an impressive .295/.389/.672, tallying six doubles, a triple, and five home runs. Yet history suggests that when pressed into an everyday role, his production has dipped. That uncertainty could leave the door open for Bliss to seize his moment.

Can Ryan Bliss overtake Dylan Moore at the keystone?

The 25-year-old Bliss, acquired in the 2023 trade that sent closer Paul Sewald to Arizona, is eager to make his mark at the major league level. He had a brief stint with the major league club in 2024, though his .222 average with 22 strikeouts in 63 at-bats left much to be desired. Still, those numbers don’t tell the full story. In Triple-A Tacoma, Bliss put his offensive tools on display, slashing his way through the minors with sneaky pop (12 home runs) and relentless speed (50 stolen bases). If he can translate that success to the big leagues, he could become a dynamic presence in Seattle’s lineup.

While Moore brings the experience and defensive reliability—coming off a Gold Glove-winning season—Bliss brings the energy and upside. Both players enter the season with something to prove, and their competition could serve as a healthy dilemma for the Mariners.

Adding another layer to the equation is the presence of top prospect Cole Young, who looms as the potential long-term solution at second base. If Moore and Bliss struggle to secure the position, the Mariners may not hesitate to give Young a shot.

With so much uncertainty throughout the offseason, Mariners fans can now look forward to a legitimate in-house battle at second base. What once seemed like a glaring hole could turn into a position of surprising strength. As Spring Training continues to unfold, the Mariners’ decision to hold firm and not make an external move might just prove to be the best move of all.