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Mariners release outfielder Mitch Haniger

The Seattle Mariners released 2018 All-Star outfielder Mitch Haniger. The 2025 Major League Baseball season would have been the final campaign under his three-year, $43 million contract he signed with the San Francisco Giants before the 2023 season.

However, he returned to the Mariners after the Giants traded him, Anthony DeSclafani, and cash considerations. This release means Haniger won’t get the $15.5 million due in his contract. Haniger entered spring training as a competitor for the starting designated hitter role with Rowdy Tellez and Mitch Garver. However, he fell out of the race after hitting .167/.250/.389 in seven games.

Haniger first played for the Mariners in 2017 after the Arizona Diamondbacks traded him, Zac Curtis, and Jean Segura to Seattle for Ketel Marte and Taijuan Walker. The trade benefitted both teams as Marte became a star for Arizona, while Haniger had a solid stint with the Mariners.

Despite a slew of injuries, Haniger slashed .263/.337/.480 in 530 games. In 2018, he also received votes for the American League Most Valuable Player award while becoming an All-Star. Haniger missed the 2020 MLB season due to surgeries for a herniated disc and sports hernia. He returned the following year and participated in his first postseason in 2022.

However, he joined the Giants on a three-year, $43.5 million contract after the 2022 season. He played only one season in San Francisco before being sent back to the Mariners. In eight years, he slashed .250/.324/.448/.771 with 688 hits, 395 RBIs, and 130 home runs.

-Lance Fernandez

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