We are only three nights away from pitchers and catchers reporting to Arizona and Florida for the start of the baseball season. Spring Training is a time when players already in The Show can knock the rust off and get in shape for Opening Day, while other players show off their talents to earn spots on a minor league roster. Here are three Mariners players to take a closer look at during Spring Training.
Jorge Polanco
Fresh off surgery to repair the patellar tendon in his left knee, Polanco signed a one-year $7.75 million deal to man the hot corner for the M’s. His 2024 campaign did not go well in Seattle, with nagging injuries hampering his production to the tune of a 92 wRC+.
Not only will Polanco’s bat be a focus for many fans, but his fielding will be under the microscope too. With a measly -10 OAA last season at second base, the hope is that a move to third base (a position that requires less range to make plays) will keep Polanco’s lower half healthy. With only 24 games played at third base in his decade-long career, the sun-soaked dirt of Peoria Sports Complex will be Mariners fans’ first look at how well he can man the position.
If Polanco suffers any setbacks with his newly repaired knee, the most likely alternative would be some mix of Dylan Moore and Donovan Solano, with Austin Shenton not far behind. If Polanco can return to his 2021-2023 form, where he was consistently an above-average bat, it would do wonders for an infield that still doesn’t quite feel complete.
Gregory Santos
Another Mariner that was plagued by injuries last season, Gregory Santos is already in Arizona preparing for the start of the season. Santos only managed to pitch in 7.1 innings last season, which were sandwiched between 60-day IL stints.
Brought in via trade with the Chicago White Sox last winter, Santos was coming off a stellar season, pitching in 66.1 innings and sporting a 3.39 ERA. The loss of both Santos and Matt Brash last season severely hindered what was slated to be one of the better back-ends of any bullpen in the league, causing closer Andrés Muñoz to pick up many four and five-out saves. Although lacking firepower for most of the season, the Mariners bullpen still managed to rank ninth in ERA.
Santos’ second 60-day IL stint was for right bicep inflammation, therefore it will be prudent for the Mariners to make sure he’s fully healthy so he can contribute to the team effectively.
Cole Young
The Mariners #2 ranked prospect Cole Young is a Non-Roster Invite for Spring Training, giving him playing time amongst the big league club. His third Spring Training appearance with the organisation, this one will be the most important of them all as Young has the opportunity of making his debut this season.
The 21-year-old Young played all of 2024 with Double-A Arkansas, slashing .271/.369/.390 for a 119 wRC+. Graded as a serviceable fielder, Young’s biggest strength at the plate are his on-base skills, routinely putting up OBP percentages above .360 and using his speed to steal a little over 20 bases. The biggest weakness in Young’s bat is his power, as his slugging percentage dropped over 50 points last year and has only hit double-digit home runs once in his three professional seasons.
With Dylan Moore, Ryan Bliss, and Donovan Solano all poised to get innings at second base, it’s possible that a strong showing in Spring Training could see Young make the Opening Day roster. If not, Young will most likely start the season in Triple-A Tacoma, hoping either good performance or luck earns a call-up.
Featured Image: via MLB.com
Jake Tomasello is the Bat Flips & Nerds Mariners correspondent for 2025 who can be found across social media @RaiseTheTrident.
