Opening Day pressure is already building for one key Mariners player

Logan Gilbert has been given the honor of Opening Day starter with the Mariners for the second consecutive season, so he should theoretically be on top of the world. However, while we have no doubt he's excited to get going against the Guardians on Thursday evening at T-Mobile Park, the reality is this will be a pressure-packed year for him unlike any other since he first arrived in Seattle.

This is alluded to by the difference compared to last year when Gilbert was deservedly named as Opening Day starter for the first time, over Luis Castillo. This time around, you can make the legitimate case that Bryan Woo would have been the better choice, with him now being the top pitcher in the Mariners rotation.

In fairness to the Mariners, there was strong justification with the decision they made, given the focus on finding ways to mitigate Woo's durability after suffering injuries every year since they drafted him in 2021. Still, there's a lot riding on Gilbert proving he can be the same pitcher he was prior to his own injury issues last season, with a right elbow flexor strain resulting in a first ever stint on the injured list.

Logan Gilbert was headed for an even better 2025 season compared to his career year in 2024

The timing of the injury was frustrating, just based on the fact Gilbert was looking better than ever through six starts last season. Which is really saying something given he was coming off a 2024 campaign when he earned his first All-Star selection, led the majors with career-bests of 208.2 innings and a 0.887 WHIP, while also finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting.

GIlbert just couldn't find the same level of consistency when he returned in mid-June, with his erratic performances on full display come playoff time. The peak saw him pitch 6.0 innings of one-run ball in the Game 3 win over the Tigers in the ALDS, while the absolute low saw him allow five runs (four earned) over 4.0 innings in the ALCS Game 6 loss to the Blue Jays.

If the 28-year-old returns to his pre-injury dominance, it will clearly benefit the Mariners as they push for that elusive World Series berth. But he also needs to rediscover this form in order to benefit his own future. With just one more year of arbitration remaining in 2027, you have to wonder what his value will be like come the end of this season?

Gilbert has previously said he wants to remain in Seattle for the long-term, but the reality is there's still no deal in place. Comments by Mariners general manager Justin Hollander in late February seemed to allude to an offer having already been made, with it being up to the righty to go and talk to the organization when he was ready.

Logan Gilbert must decide whether to gamble on himself

However, since then Jesús Luzardo has signed a five-year, $135 million extension with the Phillies, which only complicates matters in Seattle given that Gilbert is a better pitcher. As such, you have to wonder what his focus will be moving forward, no matter how much he says he would prefer to stay with the Mariners.

On the one hand, the 2018 14th overall draft pick may just focus on building his free agent value. You have to figure a strong 2026 campaign will only set him up for an even better payday once free agency rolls around following the conclusion of next season, with other clubs ready to make lucrative offers. (With the added expectation that at least one club will be willing to overpay for his services.)

However, this is at least theoretically countered by Gilbert wanting to agree a deal with the Mariners sooner than later to get his long-term future resolved, even if it means taking less money than what he can get on the open market. This option becomes more appealing when you consider he might lose money anyway if he waits, given that a lockout appears likely next year and with the owners pushing for a salary cap.

First things first, as it's about Gilbert coming out on Opening Day and showing right away that he's capable of being his more consistent self from two seasons ago. He's capable of dealing with pressure, but he must be prepared for it to be more intense than ever in 2026.