Mariners, Rowdy Tellez Agree To Minor League Deal
MLB Trade Rumors
By Anthony Franco | February 20, 2025 at 11:31pm CDT
The Mariners are in agreement with Rowdy Tellez on a minor league deal with an invite to MLB camp, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Tellez is represented by Primo Sports Group.
It’s a rebound opportunity for the 29-year-old first baseman. Tellez signed with the Pirates last offseason on a $3.2MM free agent deal. He spent most of the season as Pittsburgh’s starting first baseman. He had an up-and-down year. Tellez limped to a .177/.239/.223 line through the first two months. He caught fire once the summer got underway. Tellez raked at a .310/.346/.533 clip between the start of June and the end of August. His numbers crashed back to earth in September, when he hit .116/.255/.209 across 51 plate appearances.
Pittsburgh released Tellez in late September. That controversially came just before he was set to reach his 425th plate appearance, which would have triggered a $200K bonus in his contract. While it’s likely that played a part in the team’s decision, Tellez’s late-season slump dropped his overall numbers back below replacement level. He finished the year with a .243/.299/.392 line with 13 homers across 421 trips to the plate.
Tellez has been a below-average hitter in three of the past four seasons. He carries a .229/.301/.417 slash in nearly 1700 plate appearances since the start of 2021. Tellez had mashed in small samples with the Blue Jays in 2018 and ’20, but he’s a career .234/.303/.436 hitter. He’s a subpar baserunner and defensive first baseman, which puts a lot of pressure on the bat.
Luke Raley will get most of the first base work against right-handed pitching. Mitch Garver and Mitch Haniger each figure to get designated hitter reps as they look to bounce back from rough seasons. Tellez doesn’t have much of a path to an Opening Day roster spot unless someone suffers an injury. He could open the season with Triple-A Tacoma if opportunities don’t arise during Spring Training.
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Report: Seattle Mariners add slugging 1B on minors deal
SEATTLE MARINERS
Feb 20, 2025, 9:22 PM
BY BRENT STECKER
Editor, Seattle Sports
The Seattle Mariners have reportedly added a power threat to the mix in spring camp.
Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez has signed with the Mariners on a minor league contract with an MLB spring training invite, according to Jon Heyman, a baseball insider with The New York Post.
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Tellez, who will turn 30 next month, is an imposing figure from the left-handed side of the batter’s box, checking in at 6 foot 4 and 270 pounds.
In 2024, he appeared in 131 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting .243 with 13 home runs, 18 doubles, 56 RBIs, a .299 on-base percentage, .392 slugging mark and .691 OPS.
Tellez broke into the majors in 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays, who he played for until a 2021 midseason trade to the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2022, his first full season with the Brewers, he hit a career-high 35 home runs and 89 RBIs.
Tellez also had a 21-homer season in 2019.
After a rough 2023 campaign with Milwaukee where he was limited to 105 games, Tellez went to Pittsburgh in free agency last offseason.
Hailing from Elk Grove, Calif., Tellez was taken out of high school in the 30th round of the MLB Draft in 2013 by the Blue Jays.
Tellez will provide some competition at first base in spring training for Luke Raley and Donovan Solano, who are in line to platoon at the position in 2025 for the Mariners. Tellez could also be a candidate for at-bats at designated hitter if he can make the team.
The Mariners open Cactus League play in Arizona at 12:10 p.m. Friday against their Peoria Sports Complex neighbors, the San Diego Padres. Radio coverage will be carried live on Seattle Sports beginning with a short pregame show at noon.
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The regular season for the M’s will begin at home on Thursday, Sept. 27 against the Athletics.
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Rowdy Tellez Joins Mariners on Minor League Deal: Can He Bounce Back?
Rowdy Tellez has signed a minor league deal with the Seattle Mariners, aiming to demonstrate that his strong 2022 season was not a one-time event. Previously associated with teams like the Blue Jays, Brewers, and Pirates, Tellez has a career batting line of .234/.303/.436 with 105 home runs. While his 2022 saw him achieve 35 homers, he struggled in 2024, hitting just .243 with 13 home runs. As part of this new opportunity, he will be invited to spring training and likely assume a platoon role at first base, relying on his power-hitting ability.
Tellez will report to spring training where he will have the chance to showcase his hitting ability and secure a roster spot. Consistency in hitting home runs will be crucial for determining his playing time in the upcoming season.
Rowdy Tellez’s signing with the Mariners underscores a focus on power-hitting potential, but he must prove the 2022 season wasn’t an anomaly to solidify his role at first base.
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The Mariners are confident heading into the 2025 season despite a quiet offseason that drew mixed reactions from fans and media. General Manager Justin Hollander and President Jerry Dipoto received inquiries about their starting pitchers but ultimately chose to keep their core intact amid limited budgetary flexibility. While they pursued several free agents and trade opportunities, many key targets opted for other teams, leaving the Mariners to sign lower-cost options like 37-year-old Donovan Solano and Jorge Polanco. Core players, including All-Star Logan Gilbert and catcher Cal Raleigh, remain optimistic about their squad’s potential, believing they can build on their strong finish to last season.
The Mariners aim to capitalize on last season’s positive momentum and expect players to bounce back from injuries. With a similar lineup returning, they are focused on enhancing chemistry and performance over the coming months. Key players’ development, particularly in September, will be critical in shaping their playoff aspirations.
Despite a quiet offseason, the Mariners are banking on the unity and talent of their existing roster to succeed in 2025. Their confidence in each other and chemistry built over the past three years may prove pivotal in overcoming last season’s challenges and returning to the postseason.
Read more at MLB.com
The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
The Seattle Mariners are navigating a revamped infield as they prepare for the upcoming season, mainly focusing on the second base position following Jorge Polanco’s shift to third base. The team aims to reduce the movement required by Polanco due to knee issues. As a result, a competitive battle is anticipated among various candidates, including veteran Dylan Moore and promising young players like Ryan Bliss and Cole Young. While Moore brings significant experience to the table, Bliss and Young are looking to secure their roles with solid performances.
Some concerns linger regarding the effectiveness of Polanco’s transition to third base given his past struggles and injury history. Additionally, while Dylan Moore is the frontrunner for second base, his inconsistent batting averages and overall performance raise questions about his ability to secure the job against younger talent.
The Mariners will focus on Spring Training to evaluate their second base candidates. Strong performances from Bliss or Young could significantly alter their roster plans and lead to early promotions. Engaging in Spring Training battles could determine not only the second base starter but also set the tone for the infield as a whole.
The Mariners’ second base competition promises to be a pivotal storyline, with veterans and newcomers competing for a crucial role. As they assess their options, the team’s focus should be on balancing experience with potential to ensure sustainable success in the infield. How well players adapt this spring could dictate both their careers and the team’s immediate future.
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The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
The Mariners are in agreement with first baseman Rowdy Tellez on a minor league deal with an invite to MLB camp, reports Jon Heyman of the New York Post. More to come. Share 0 Retweet 0 Send via email0 Seattle Mariners Transactions Rowdy Tellez Scott Sauerbeck Passes Away Main
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The Mariners are making significant changes to their broadcast teams for the 2025 season. Notable additions include Jay Buhner as a TV analyst, returning for his first full-time role since 2012, and Dave Valle moving into a larger role after working part-time since 2010. Angie Mentink will also make history as the first woman to have a regular in-game analyst role. The team continues to adapt its broadcast strategy following the departures of Dave Sims and Mike Blowers, focusing on a blend of seasoned voices and fresh talent.
The Mariners will release a full broadcast and television schedule in the coming weeks, while preparations for Cactus League play kick off soon. The team is looking to enhance viewer engagement with the new personnel and expanded roles.
The Mariners are rejuvenating their broadcast lineup, aiming for a more dynamic and diverse communication team as they approach the 2025 season. With the inclusion of Buhner and other changes, they are positioned to enhance the fan experience both on the air and in the stadium.
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The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
Victor Robles, outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, discusses his confidence entering his first full season with the team during a media session. He highlights the positive support he has received from fans, contributing to his comfort level as he prepares for the season. This session showcases his eagerness to engage with the Mariners’ community and fulfill expectations on the field.
While Robles feels confident, there are underlying pressures associated with living up to fan expectations and navigating a full season as a starter, especially given the team’s competitive landscape.
Fans can expect to see Robles in action as he aims to prove his capabilities and secure his position within the Mariners’ lineup this season.
Robles’ success hinges on his ability to transition smoothly into a full role with the Mariners, backed by a strong fan base and team support that could bolster his performance on the field.
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The Boston Red Sox are navigating a potential trade involving Rafael Devers amid tensions surrounding his position with Alex Bregman joining the team. Devers, who has expressed unhappiness about his role, could be traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for right-hander Luis Castillo and top prospect Harry Ford. This strategy aims to enhance the Red Sox’s pitching rotation while allowing for a future pursuit of another hitter, possibly Nolan Arenado. Castillo, although showing some signs of decline, could elevate Boston’s rotation significantly. With Devers’ impressive 2024 stats, the decision to trade him poses significant risks.
If a trade for Devers occurs, the Red Sox may shift their focus to acquiring another star player, possibly Arenado, to fill the gap. Keeping an eye on both Devers’ situation and potential market moves is essential.
Trading Devers could be a gamble for the Red Sox as they strive to balance team dynamics while enhancing their pitching, but it could also open doors for future opportunities in the market.
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The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
With the regular season just a month away and spring training games getting ready to start, the Marlins find themselves needing to add some payroll if they do not want a grievance from the MLBPA. Mitch Haniger is not a player a team like the Mariners should be rostering for $17 Million. Trading him to the Marlins in a salary dump is almost a no brainer, but is it too late? The New “Fan Fest” 2:00 New Team Leaders 12:27 Mitch To Marlins 26:05 Some links below are affiliate links Behind the scenes videos from Mariner Mojo! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfsGiwY3KWUsbGSmolnsB3Q/join The Hit…
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The Mariners are entering Spring Training with most of their roster intact but are focused on resolving key position battles. Particularly at second base, Dylan Moore leads the competition, joined by Leo Rivas and Ryan Bliss, while the designated hitter position could feature Mitch Garver and Mitch Haniger, although the latter faces a challenging path to playing time. In the bullpen, the team looks to finalize a spot that will be vacant during Matt Brash’s recovery, with several promising options emerging. Seattle’s management is open to the possibility of younger players stepping up as the training camp unfolds.
While the Mariners are optimistic about their existing roster, questions loom regarding the roles of veterans like Haniger and how the team can balance pitching depth with the return of Brash. If younger players significantly outperform expectations, the Mariners may face tough roster decisions.
As Spring Training progresses, performance in practice games will be crucial for determining starting roles, particularly for players vying for second base and DH. This will set the tone for the upcoming season, impacting player utilization and potential trades.
The Mariners’ preparations for the season hinge on solidifying their position battles and leveraging the potential of younger players. Their ability to navigate these decisions effectively will be key to their competitiveness in the 2024 season.
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The summary of the linked article was generated with the assistance of artificial intelligence technology from OpenAI
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