Seattle Mariners’ 2025 Bullpen Revamp: A Look at Key Players and Prospects
The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for the 2025 season with high hopes for their bullpen. After a challenging 2024 season that saw the unit stretched thin due to injuries, the Mariners are looking forward to a stronger and more resilient bullpen this year. Key returning players like Gregory Santos, Matt Brash, and Jackson Kowar, along with promising rookie Troy Taylor, are expected to play pivotal roles in bolstering the team’s relief pitching.
A Renewed Focus on Health and Performance
In the previous season, injuries forced the Mariners to rely on arms that were perhaps not ideally suited for high-leverage situations. However, with the return of Gregory Santos, Matt Brash, and Jackson Kowar, who missed the entirety of the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, the bullpen is poised for a significant upgrade. Santos, in particular, is expected to provide stability and experience to the relief corps after appearing in just eight games last season.
Rookie Sensation: Troy Taylor’s Rise to Prominence
One of the most exciting prospects for the Mariners’ bullpen is rookie Troy Taylor. Despite battling his own injury setbacks, Taylor’s potential impact on the team is undeniable. Making the leap from Double-A Arkansas to the major league bullpen late last season, Taylor showcased his talent by posting a solid 3.72 ERA with one save in 21 games. His impressive strikeout numbers (25 strikeouts in 19 1/3 innings) highlight his ability to be a difference-maker for the Mariners.
Road to Recovery: Brash and Kowar’s Comeback
Both Matt Brash and Jackson Kowar are on the road to recovery after season-ending elbow injuries. Their recent bullpen sessions at the Mariners’ spring training complex indicate significant progress in their rehabilitation. Brash, expected to return by the end of April, and Taylor, once fully healthy, could form a formidable duo that adds depth and firepower to the bullpen early in the season. With their ability to throw in the upper-90s, alongside Santos and Andres Munoz, the Mariners’ relief pitching looks poised for success.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Season for the Mariners
As the Mariners continue their preparations for the upcoming season, the potential of their revamped bullpen is generating excitement among fans and analysts alike. While Taylor may not be ready for Opening Day, his eventual return, along with the comeback of Brash and Kowar, signals a new era of strength and depth in the Mariners’ relief pitching. With a mix of experience, talent, and youthful energy, the 2025 bullpen is shaping up to be a force to be reckoned with in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.