Spring in Peoria: Mariners Open Camp Healthy, Focused, and Ready for More
The Seattle Mariners have officially reported to Peoria, Arizona, and while the desert sun is shining, it’s the clean bill of health that’s got everyone in camp smiling. After a deep run to Game 7 of the ALCS last year, this squad returns largely intact-and early signs point to a group that’s locked in and ready to build on that success.
Yes, it’s still early. But in a spring where other MLB teams are already dealing with significant injury setbacks, the Mariners are quietly winning the most important battle of February: staying healthy.
No Injuries, No Surprises - and That’s a Good Thing
Manager Dan Wilson met with the media on Wednesday for his first official session of the spring, and while the conversation didn’t yield any bombshells, that’s exactly what Seattle fans wanted to hear. No new injuries.
No setbacks. No surprises.
That might sound like a low bar, but just take a glance around the league. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll, and Jackson Holliday have all gone down with broken hamate bones before games have even started. So for the Mariners, a clean sheet in the health department is a quiet win-and a significant one.
After a 2025 season that saw the club navigate a minefield of injuries, this kind of start feels like a breath of fresh air. With the core group already in rhythm and key newcomers like Brendan Donovan getting acclimated, the focus can stay where it belongs: preparation and chemistry.
Donovan, who arrived early to camp, is already making a strong impression. He’s not just a new face-he’s a versatile piece who could play a key role in Seattle’s infield rotation.
Early energy, early engagement. That’s the kind of tone you want to set.
WBC Impact: Mariners Could See Even More Players Called Up
One wrinkle in this spring’s routine is the World Baseball Classic, which is shaping up to be a major storyline for Seattle. The Mariners are sending 16 players to the WBC-the most of any team in the league-and that number could rise to 18.
Luis Castillo (Dominican Republic) and Jhonathan Díaz (Venezuela) have both been named to the Designated Pitcher Pool (DPP), a group of reserves teams can draw from after the first round of the tournament. While it’s not a guarantee that either pitcher will be called into action, Castillo’s inclusion is noteworthy. He’s the only member of the Mariners’ projected rotation with any WBC ties, so his status will be something to watch as the tournament unfolds.
For Seattle, the WBC presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Managing workloads and maintaining chemistry while a chunk of the roster is scattered across the globe isn’t easy.
But it also speaks to the depth and talent of this roster. When you’re sending this many players to represent their countries, it means you’ve built something strong.
New Era of Mariners Baseball: Streaming Takes Center Stage
Off the field, the Mariners are also embracing a new era-this time, in how fans will watch the team. With ROOT Sports officially shuttered after the 2025 season, the club is rolling out a new broadcast model anchored by Mariners.TV.
The team announced that 16 Cactus League games will be streamed for free on the new platform, giving fans an early look at both the big-league roster and the next wave of talent. The schedule kicks off February 20 against the Padres and wraps up March 22 against the White Sox.
One highlight: the Spring Breakout game on March 20, where Mariners prospects will face off against Brewers prospects. It’s a showcase of the organization’s future, and with Seattle’s farm system continuing to gain national attention, it’s a game worth circling.
Radio coverage isn’t going anywhere either. Seattle Sports 710 will carry every spring game, with Rick Rizzs returning for one final season behind the mic. For Mariners fans, that voice is synonymous with summer-and hearing it one last time will be a sentimental thread throughout the year.
The Early Takeaway: Steady, Healthy, and Poised
It’s only February, and no one wins a pennant in Peoria. But you can lose momentum early if things start off rocky. That’s not the case here.
The Mariners are healthy. The vibes are strong.
The roster is deep. And even with the WBC looming, the foundation being laid in these early days feels solid.
After coming so close last fall, this team knows what it takes to compete deep into October. And if this spring is any indication, they’re wasting no time getting back to work.