Just days before the 2025 MLB season kicks off, a former All-Star is now searching for a new team.
The Seattle Mariners officially announced on Sunday that they have released veteran outfielder Mitch Haniger, bringing an end to his tenure with the organization after eight seasons, which spanned across two separate stints. The move comes as a surprise to many, as Haniger was set to earn $15.5 million in 2025, meaning the Mariners will now have to absorb a significant financial cost by cutting him loose. However, with Seattle making key offseason additions, particularly among right-handed hitters, the organization ultimately decided to move in a different direction.
Haniger, who turned 34 this year, expressed gratitude toward the Mariners organization and its fans in a statement released by the team.
“Wearing a Mariners uniform and playing at T-Mobile Park is something I’ll always cherish,” Haniger said. “To the fans, my teammates, and everyone in the organization, thank you for embracing my family and me. We have so many great memories to hold onto.”
Originally drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the first round of the 2012 MLB Draft, Haniger’s career took off after being traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2014. However, his breakthrough came when he was dealt to Seattle as part of the 2016 trade that sent Ketel Marte and Taijuan Walker to Arizona. It was in a Mariners uniform that Haniger established himself as a premier outfielder in the league.
During his first stint with the team, Haniger quickly became a fan favorite, delivering several standout seasons. His best year came in 2018 when he earned an All-Star selection after hitting .285 with 26 home runs, 93 RBIs, and an .859 OPS. Though injuries limited his playing time in the following seasons, he made a remarkable comeback in 2021, posting career-highs with 39 home runs and 100 RBIs. That performance helped solidify him as one of Seattle’s most productive hitters.
Haniger also played a crucial role in the Mariners’ long-awaited return to the postseason in 2022, their first playoff appearance in more than two decades. His leadership and clutch performances made him an integral part of the team’s resurgence.
However, his production began to decline in the following years. After the 2022 season, Haniger signed a three-year, $43.5 million contract with the San Francisco Giants, but injuries and inconsistency plagued his time in the Bay Area. In an effort to bolster their roster, the Mariners reacquired him ahead of the 2024 season in a trade that sent pitcher Robbie Ray to San Francisco. Unfortunately, his return to Seattle did not go as planned.
In 2024, Haniger struggled at the plate, hitting just .208 with a .620 OPS, both career lows. He managed 12 home runs and 44 RBIs over 121 games but was unable to recapture his past success. Defensively, he also showed signs of decline, posting below-average metrics in the outfield. Given his struggles and the Mariners’ focus on building a more competitive roster, the team ultimately decided to part ways.
Seattle’s decision to release Haniger marks the end of an era, as he was one of the more beloved players in recent franchise history. Though injuries and inconsistency hampered his later years, his contributions to the team—especially during his peak seasons—will not be forgotten by Mariners fans.
As Haniger now enters free agency, it remains to be seen where he will land next. Despite his recent struggles, his past track record as a productive hitter and veteran presence could still make him an attractive option for teams in need of outfield depth. Wherever he goes, he will be remembered in Seattle for his resilience, leadership, and the role he played in the team’s return to October baseball.
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