Mitch Haniger released by Mariners after shoulder issues

In the United States, on March 23, 2025, the Seattle Mariners announced the release of veteran outfielder Mitch Haniger following ongoing left shoulder soreness that troubled him during spring training. Haniger's tenure with the Mariners saw him provide notable performances, having rejoined the team after a trade with the San Francisco Giants in January 2024. However, during his brief time in spring training this year, he struggled at the plate, recording just three hits in 18 at-bats but had managed to hit one solo home run. This injury setback forced the Mariners to reconsider their roster positions ahead of the upcoming season. Haniger’s release comes as he contended with injuries that affected his performance in recent seasons as well. After being a key player for the Mariners, Haniger’s 2021 campaign was a highlight, where he logged 39 homers and 100 RBIs in 157 games but struggled to replicate those numbers in subsequent years. His batting average plummeted to a career-low of .208 in the previous season and marked his second stint with the Mariners, where he had been a fan favorite since debuting with the club following a trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017. The Mariners' management acknowledged Haniger's important role in the team's history and expressed gratitude for his contributions, highlighting his hardworking nature and commitment. As a sign of a new direction, the release represents a shift in the team’s strategy as they approach the season and adjust their roster based on performance and health. This decision not only frees up space on their roster but also signals a potential transition phase within the Mariners’ organization as they prepare for the challenges of the new season. On the same day, the Houston Astros also made headlines by releasing outfielder Ben Gamel and left-hander Jalen Beeks. Gamel’s release unexpectedly came less than two months after he signed a $1.2 million contract, illustrating the competitive nature of roster spots as teams finalize their lineups for opening day. Seattle's move to cut Haniger underscores a similar competitive environment within the league, indicating how teams are aggressively managing their rosters to enhance overall performance.