Mariners

Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais watches players warmup during spring training baseball practice Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

M’s begin normal spring training amid optimism and concern

It’s business as usual for Seattle fans with high expectations and fears that the team hasn’t done enough to take the next step.

Seattle Mariners manager Scott Servais watches players warmup during spring training baseball practice Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz during the eighth inning in Game 1 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston,Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)

Can Mariner bullpen repeat 2022 its dominance?

Seattle returns the nucleus of a bullpen that was among the best in baseball by most metrics last season.

Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Andres Munoz during the eighth inning in Game 1 of an American League Division Series baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston,Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Kevin M. Cox)
Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Teoscar Hernandez cannot hang onto a single by Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Analysis: Is Teoscar Hernandez an upgrade for M’s in RF?

There’s some debate as to whether the slugger is a significant upgrade over the departed Mitch Haniger.

Toronto Blue Jays right fielder Teoscar Hernandez cannot hang onto a single by Philadelphia Phillies' Kyle Schwarber during the fifth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Seattle Mariners' J.P. Crawford watches batting practice during spring training baseball practice Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

3 things to watch as Mariners open spring training

Pitchers and catchers are schedule to report to Seattle’s complex in Peoria, Arizona, on Wednesday.

Seattle Mariners' J.P. Crawford watches batting practice during spring training baseball practice Wednesday, March 16, 2022, in Peoria, Ariz. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Kolten Wong (16) throws to first for double play during the eighth inning of a baseball game Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Justin Turner grounded in to a double play. Will Smith (16) was out at second and Turner was out at first. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Wong looking to return to Gold Glove form with Mariners

The 32-year-old two-time Gold Glove winner committed an MLB-worst 17 errors at second base last season.

Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Kolten Wong (16) throws to first for double play during the eighth inning of a baseball game Los Angeles Dodgers in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 22, 2022. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Justin Turner grounded in to a double play. Will Smith (16) was out at second and Turner was out at first. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh watches his solo home run off Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Domingo Acevedo during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 2-1 to clinch a spot in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

After cementing place in M’s history, what’s next for Raleigh?

The season the young catcher put together in 2022 is one of the best things that happened to Seattle last year.

Seattle Mariners' Cal Raleigh watches his solo home run off Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Domingo Acevedo during the ninth inning of a baseball game Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 2-1 to clinch a spot in the playoffs. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez reacts while batting during a baseball game Sept. 24, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Seattle Mariners made one of the first big moves of the offseason by acquiring All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez from the Blue Jays in exchange for two pitchers on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

Mariners hope offseason additions have closed gap in AL West

Kolten Wong, Teoscar Hernández, AJ Pollock and Tommy La Stella should give Seattle a deeper and more versatile roster.

Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez reacts while batting during a baseball game Sept. 24, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Seattle Mariners made one of the first big moves of the offseason by acquiring All-Star outfielder Teoscar Hernandez from the Blue Jays in exchange for two pitchers on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Seattle Mariners' Eugenio Suárez talks to fans after the team's 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers in a baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

Suarez will look to keep good vibes rolling for M’s in 2023

After hitting 31 home runs in 2022, could Seattle’s third baseman be even better this coming season?

Seattle Mariners' Eugenio Suárez talks to fans after the team's 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers in a baseball game Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Mariners' Ty France takes a swing during an at-bat in a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 3-0. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Which version of Ty France will Mariners get in 2023?

Seattle’s first baseman got off to a torrid start last season, but his production fell off after a midseason injury.

Seattle Mariners' Ty France takes a swing during an at-bat in a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 3-0. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez throws out the first pitch before Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Felix Hernandez to be inducted in Mariners Hall of Fame

The ceremony will take place Aug. 12 at T-Mobile Park, the team announced Wednesday.

Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Felix Hernandez throws out the first pitch before Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds disagrees with a called third strike during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, on Sept. 27, 2022. Reynolds has requested a trade ahead of baseball's winter meetings. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Analysis: A look at remaining potenial offseason targets for Mariners

With many of the top free agents off the board, Seattle could bolster its roster via trade or low-risk signings.

FILE - Pittsburgh Pirates' Bryan Reynolds disagrees with a called third strike during the first inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds in Pittsburgh, on Sept. 27, 2022. Reynolds has requested a trade ahead of baseball's winter meetings. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Seattle Mariners players including, from left, Cal Raleigh, Paul Sewald, J.P. Crawford, Eugenio Suarez and Adam Frazier celebrate after a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 3-0. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Have the Mariners done enough to keep pace in the rugged AL West?

Seattle has a wide gap to close if it wants to catch the Astros. Meanwhile, the Rangers and Angels are bolstering their rosters.

Seattle Mariners players including, from left, Cal Raleigh, Paul Sewald, J.P. Crawford, Eugenio Suarez and Adam Frazier celebrate after a baseball game against the Chicago White Sox, Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 3-0. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Milwaukee Brewers' Kolten Wong (16) plays during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Mariners acquire 2B Kolten Wong from Brewers

Seattle sends outfielder Jesse Winker and utility player Abraham Toro to Milwaukee and fills a major need with the deal.

Milwaukee Brewers' Kolten Wong (16) plays during a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
CORRECTS THAT PERRY WAS 84, NOT 88 AS ORIGINALLY SENT - FILE - Seattle Mariners pitcher Gaylord Perry throws in his 300th Major League victory, a 7-3 win over the New York Yankees in Seattle, May 6, 1982. Baseball Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner Gaylord Perry, a master of the spitball, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at his home in Gaffney, S.C. He was 84. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet, File)

Ex-Mariner Gaylord Perry, 2-time Cy Young winner, dies at 84

Perry, who pitched for eight major-league teams from 1962 until 1983, was a five-time All-Star who was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1991.

CORRECTS THAT PERRY WAS 84, NOT 88 AS ORIGINALLY SENT - FILE - Seattle Mariners pitcher Gaylord Perry throws in his 300th Major League victory, a 7-3 win over the New York Yankees in Seattle, May 6, 1982. Baseball Hall of Famer and two-time Cy Young winner Gaylord Perry, a master of the spitball, died Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, at his home in Gaffney, S.C. He was 84. (AP Photo/Barry Sweet, File)
Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger watches his solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Mariners remain active in market for outfielders

Even after the addition of Teoscar Hernandez, Seattle would like to add another starting-caliber outfielder.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Cody Bellinger watches his solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)
Seattle Mariners' Kyle Lewis watches his line-out during the second inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

M’s trade former AL Rookie of the Year Lewis to D-backs

Seattle receives young outfielder/catcher Cooper Hummel from Arizona in return.

Seattle Mariners' Kyle Lewis watches his line-out during the second inning of a baseball game against the Oakland Athletics, Wednesday, May 25, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez reacts while batting during a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)

Mariners acquire All-Star OF Teoscar Hernández from Toronto

Reliever Erik Swanson and minor-league lefty Adam Macko, who started eight games for Everett last season, head to the Blue Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays' Teoscar Hernandez reacts while batting during a baseball game Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette)
Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a solo home run off Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kenley Jansen during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 8-7. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)

Mariners’ Rodriguez voted AL Rookie of the Year

The All-Star center fielder received 29 of 30 first-place votes.

Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez celebrates while rounding the bases after hitting a solo home run off Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Kenley Jansen during the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, in Seattle. The Mariners won 8-7. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Advance tickets for the World Series were sent to Seattle Mariners season-ticket holders in 1995. (Nick Patterson / The Herald)

Patterson: As this World Series begins, M’s have hope again

Just like in 1995, Mariners fans can dream of soon playing on the biggest stage in baseball.

Advance tickets for the World Series were sent to Seattle Mariners season-ticket holders in 1995. (Nick Patterson / The Herald)
Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez (44) slides safely into second base for a double under Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve during the eighth inning in Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Rodríguez among Mariners players facing injury recovery

Seattle has a number of key players that will require surgery this offseason.

Seattle Mariners' Julio Rodriguez (44) slides safely into second base for a double under Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve during the eighth inning in Game 3 of an American League Division Series baseball game Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)