Mariners non-tender speedy fan favorite outfielder ahead of MLB deadline

With the offseason underway and talks about the Seattle Mariners' optios for offensive improvement in full swing, we must first get through the deadline to tender contracts. The Mariners have a decent pool of players that are arbitration eligible this year, with some well-known names entering the process. While the decision was easy to tender contracts to guys like Logan Gilbert, George Kirby and Cal Raleigh, there were a number of bullpen arms that many felt the team could lean either way on.

The Mariners already made the easy decision to move on from Luis Urias, allowing him to enter free agency after a failed experiment in 2023. With a number of tough decisions when it comes to relievers, the team decided to designate reliever JT Chargois for assignment to make room for former prospect Austin Shenton.

A number of names have already been DFA'd Friday, and the Mariners have another casualty -- and it is a former fan favorite. The team reportedly decided to non-tender Sam Haggerty and forego his estimated $900K salary. Haggerty played in just eight games in 2024, suffering a torn achilles. Pair that with the fact that he is out of minor-league options, and it was pretty obvious that Haggerty would be non-tendered.

In addition to Haggerty, the Mariners did a bit of additional trimming before the deadline bell rang.

Mariners non-tender fan favorite outfielder Sam Haggerty

Haggerty played a key role in the Mariners' stretch run on their way to breaking the 20-year playoff drought in 2022. He played in 83 games, slashing .256/.335/.403 with five home runs and 13 stolen bases. He provided Scott Servais some versatility, playing all three outfield spots, as well as first and second base. Haggerty was solid again in 2023, albeit in a smaller sample, slashing .253/.364/.341 with 10 stolen bases.

Haggerty seemed like a great guy on the field and provided the type of Victor Robles spark that was needed in 2022. While Haggerty was non-tendered, there is still a solid chance that the Mariners bring him back on a minor-league deal, as both sides have been together for four years. Haggerty is the type of depth option that would be a solid low-risk minor-league addition. Hopefully we haven't seen the last of "Haggs", and his part in the 2022 season should not be overlooked.