Mariners begin Cactus League play in spring training

We take a look at some important facts and figures, as the Mariners begin their 2025 Cactus League schedule on Friday against the Padres.

For some it will seem like a lifetime since last seeing the Seattle Mariners in action, while for others it will feel like the 2024 season finished just a week ago. Either way, the team is ready to return to action, with the beginning of Cactus League play in Peoria.

The Mariners begin their schedule on Friday as technically the away team versus the San Diego Padres, but with the two teams sharing the Peoria Sports Complex. It should also make for an interesting start to Cactus League play, with former M’s manager Scott Servais now on the Padres coaching staff.

There’s plenty to be intrigued by and keep an eye on, as the Mariners continue their preparations for the 2025 Major League season. Here are some interesting bits of information for M’s fans to consider.

The Mariners lineup

As per the Mariners’ social media account on X, the first lineup of Cactus League action includes five players projected to also be there on opening day versus the Athletics in Seattle. These include J.P. Crawford (SS), Julio Rodríguez (CF), Cal Raleigh (C), Randy Arozarena (LF) and Mitch Garver (DH).

One of the most notable absences is Jorge Polanco, who the Mariners did not pick up their club option on for 2025, but then re-signed to a more team-friendly deal. He has been present at spring training, but the M’s are taken a cautious approach as he continues to get back up to speed following offseason knee surgery for an ongoing issue.

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A rotating rotation

Southpaw Jhonathan Diaz officially gets the start against the Padres, but not in the traditional sense, as is often the case in spring training. The Mariners will be looking to give six other pitchers mound time on Friday afternoon, including Blas Castano, Cody Bolton, Will Klein, Drew Pomeranz, Jesse Hahn and Austin Kitchen.

Logan Evans is scheduled to get the start on Saturday against the Los Angeles Angels, with Casey Lawrence, Carlos Vargas, Neftalí Feliz, Hagen Danner, Tyler Cleveland and Peyton Alford also all seeing action. Emerson Hancock will get the nod on Sunday versus the Arizona Diamondbacks, backed up by (the other) Castillo, Eduard Bazardo, Josh Fleming, Shintaro Fujinami, Darius Valdez and Yoervis Medina.

Of course M’s fans can expect to see the likes of Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo and George Kirby as we progress through spring training action. Last season the rotation was the best in the Majors, coming first in a whole host of categories including ERA, WHIP, fewest walks, opposing team batting average, quality starts and combined innings pitched.

Spring training records and other notes

Last year the Mariners went 15-13-4 during Cactus League play, in what was their 48th season of spring training. Against the Padres specifically they went 0-1, and are 93-90-9 all-time versus their San Diego rivals, who they will face on four occasions this time around.

This will be Dan Wilson’s first spring training as Mariners manager, after taking over from Servais during last August. However, he is well prepared for the demands which will come with his position, having spent plenty of time in Peoria with the M’s over the years in different capacities.

For Mariners fans wanting to know how to tune in for the team’s Cactus League action, you can listen to all three of this weekend’s games on Seattle Sports 710. Friday’s and Sunday’s contests will also be available to watch live on the Mariners webcast at Mariners.com.

Main photo credit: Mariners media

What are you looking forward to during Cactus League play by the Mariners? Is there anything in particular you will be keeping an eye on? Let us know in the comments section below.