The Seattle Mariners aren’t yet at the point where they need to watch the standings. Spring training is all about focusing on their own preparations, and they have plenty to sort out before kicking off their 2025 season next Thursday at T-Mobile Park against the Athletics.
That said, they likely aren’t upset about the latest move by their AL West rival, the Texas Rangers.
With Cody Bradford dealing with elbow soreness and Jon Gray sidelined due to a fractured wrist, the defending World Series champions suddenly found themselves short on starting pitchers. Their solution? Signing veteran left-hander Patrick Corbin to a one-year contract worth just over $1 million, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
This news might be more beneficial for the Mariners and other AL West teams than it is for the Rangers.
Corbin: A Durable but Struggling Arm
It’s not necessarily enjoyable to criticize Corbin, who, at 35, has had a solid 12-year career, including two All-Star appearances and a World Series ring. He’s also earned over $150 million, mostly from a six-year contract with the Nationals that ended in 2024.
If Texas simply needs someone to eat innings, Corbin is capable. In an era where workhorse pitchers are rare, he’s been remarkably durable, ranking fourth in innings pitched and batters faced since 2017.
However, durability aside, Corbin has also been among the most hittable pitchers in MLB. Since his decline began in 2020, he has consistently allowed over 10 hits per nine innings each season. Over the past five years, he’s given up more hits and runs than any other pitcher.
The Rangers may see something in him that others don’t, but the numbers don’t paint a promising picture. His expected batting average in 2024 was .295—higher than Corey Seager’s expected average as a hitter.
When Do the Mariners Face Corbin?
The Mariners might already have the inside track in the AL West race. Despite close calls in 2023 and 2024, FanGraphs projects them with a 32.7% chance to win the division, compared to 28.1% for Texas and 30.5% for Houston.
That suggests another tight race is ahead. The division was decided by just two games in 2023, and Seattle finished only 3.5 games behind Houston last season. Every win will matter.
The Mariners have an early chance to capitalize against Texas. They play the Rangers six times in their first 33 games, whereas they face Houston only three times in their first 48.
Corbin may not be ready for Seattle’s first series against Texas from April 11-13 at T-Mobile Park, but they could face him when they travel to Arlington from May 2-4.
His long-term role with the Rangers will depend on both his performance and the recoveries of Bradford and Gray, along with the health of other key pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Tyler Mahle, and Kumar Rocker, who have all battled injuries.
With seven more games against Texas after their early matchups, the Mariners likely wouldn’t mind if Corbin remains in the Rangers’ rotation for the long haul.
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