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Seattle Mariners Non-Tender Trio of Relievers
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- Seattle Mariners Non-Tender Trio of Relievers
(Stephen Brashear/Imagn Images)
The Seattle Mariners were the first team to make a big splash in the offseason by re-signing first baseman to a five-year, $92.5 million contract.
The Mariners have many options they could pursue to fill the remaining holes on the roster. They recently cleared up spots on the 40-man roster that could help facilitate whatever moves they make.
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At the MLB's tender deadline at 2 p.m. PT, Seattle opted not to non-tender three relievers, making them free agents: right-handed hurlers Trent Thornton and Gregory Santos and left-handed pitcher Tayler Saucedo .
The Mariners' 40-man roster is now at 38 players.
Saucedo has been with the team since he was claimed off waivers from the New York Mets on Jan. 31, 2023.
In three seasons, Saucedo posted a 4.06 ERA with 93 strikeouts in 99.2 innings pitched across 115 appearances.
This past season, Saucedo had a 7.43 ERA and fanned 12 batters in 13.1 innings pitched across 10 outings. He spent most of the season with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers and spent two-and-a-half months on the injured list with a left lat strain.
Santos was acquired by Seattle in a trade with the Chicago White Sox on Feb. 3, 2024, one season after he had a 3.39 ERA with 66 strikeouts in 66.1 innings pitched across 60 outings.
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Santos struggled to stay healthy in his two years with the Mariners. Since joining the team, he's been on the shelf with a right lat strain, right biceps inflammation and a surgery on his right knee to clean loose cartilage.
Those ailments limited Santos to 16 appearances in two seasons in the majors. He posted a 5.02 ERA and fanned six batters in 14.1 innings pitched.
Thornton was acquired by Seattle in a trade with the Toronto Blue Jays on July 26, 2023.
At his best, Thornton was one of the most-trusted arms in the Mariners' bullpen. He made 71 appearances in 2024. In his two-and-a-half seasons with Seattle, Thornton posted a 3.65 ERA with 130 strikeouts in 140.2 innings pitched across 127 appearances.
This past year, Thornton dealt with a bout of appendicitis which kept him out of action from May 6-June 7. On Aug. 1, Thornton was placed on the injured list with a left Achilles tendon tear.
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This past season, Thornton had a 4.68 ERA and fanned 32 batters in 42.1 innings pitched across 33 outings.
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