The Seattle Mariners have finally unveiled their Opening Day roster, and while there aren't many shockers, a few names might not be permanent fixtures as the season progresses. With the inevitable roster shuffles over a grueling 162-game stretch, some players might find themselves on the bubble sooner rather than later.
RHP Casey Legumina
Casey Legumina's 2025 season was a mixed bag. He logged a career-high 49.2 innings, primarily in low-pressure situations, but his 5.62 ERA and 4.38 FIP suggest there’s room for improvement.
Despite these numbers, Legumina showcased some bright spots, like a strikeout rate of 25.1%-above the league average-and a four-seam fastball that teased potential with a 28.4% whiff rate. However, in a bullpen brimming with talent, Legumina might be the odd man out, as relievers are often the most interchangeable part of a roster.
INF Leo Rivas
Leo Rivas finds himself in a tough spot, not due to performance, but timing. The 28-year-old utility infielder has been reliable defensively and showed offensive growth with a 113 OPS+ last year.
Who could forget his clutch playoff moment on his birthday? Yet, with a surplus of middle infield talent like Cole Young, Brendan Donovan, and J.P.
Crawford, along with promising prospects Colt Emerson and Michael Arroyo, Rivas might be more valuable as a trade piece. His spot is currently secured due to J.P.
Crawford’s stint on the injured list, but as prospects advance, Rivas’s future with the Mariners could be limited.
OF Víctor Robles
Víctor Robles faces an uphill battle. His 2025 season was disrupted by injury, and his spring training performance didn’t inspire confidence, posting a .518 OPS over 46 plate appearances.
His Statcast numbers, including a 90th percentile exit velocity of 99.7 mph, placed him in the lower tier of hitters, and a 4.3% walk rate didn’t help his case. These issues, lingering from last season, suggest persistent challenges.
Financially, Robles is in the final year of his two-year extension, costing $5.125 million-a manageable figure that could facilitate a trade before the deadline. The Mariners, seemingly prepared for this scenario, bolstered their outfield depth by acquiring players like Rob Refsnyder. With alternatives like Dominic Canzone and Luke Raley ready to step in, moving on from Robles could be a seamless transition when the time comes.
As the Mariners embark on this season, these players’ futures remain uncertain, but the team’s depth provides flexibility for adjustments as needed.