Mariners experienced some relief for the Mariners with a 5-1 victory over the Rangers at Surprise Stadium—an outcome that felt especially fitting. Coming just a day after the team allowed the most runs ever in a Cactus League game, Seattle snapped a six-game losing streak by giving up the fewest runs they’ve allowed in spring training this year.
Even though it’s only spring training, the Mariners’ start has been rough. As of Sunday morning, they sit at the bottom of the Cactus League standings with the worst run differential among all 30 Major League teams. Using the projected Opening Day 26-man roster as a reference, here’s a look at some players who have struggled so far in Arizona.
Luis Castillo
Including Luis Castillo on this list stings, given he earned the nickname “The Rock” last season as the only regular starter to avoid injury. He has been remarkably durable in recent years, ranking fourth in starts (106) and fifth in combined innings (618.1) since the 2022 All-Star break.
Still, Castillo has struggled in his two spring starts, allowing 10 hits and eight earned runs across just 2.2 innings—including six hits and five earned runs in the Padres’ 27-6 rout. While there’s no reason to expect this level of performance once the regular season begins, declining velocity and age combined with a rough spring haven’t helped ease concerns.
Josh Naylor
Fans may bristle at seeing Josh Naylor here—he was a key addition who energized the Mariners last season after his trade from the Diamondbacks—but his spring training performance has been disappointing.
Before leaving for the World Baseball Classic with Team Canada, Naylor managed just one hit in 17 at-bats, struck out five times, and produced a hard-hit rate of only 16.7 percent, roughly half the MLB average. Hopefully, representing his country will help Naylor regain his rhythm and reignite his contributions for Seattle.
Dominic Canzone
Canzone has always carried himself like a Major Leaguer, but his results haven’t always matched his confidence. Last season he had a breakout year, batting .300 with an .840 OPS and finishing September at .365 with a 1.048 OPS.
However, his early struggles returned in the playoffs (three hits in 28 at-bats) and have carried into spring training, where he’s gone 4-for-15 with no home runs and one walk. Canzone is now with Team Italy at the WBC, which could give him a chance to rebuild confidence and return to last year’s form.
Carlos Vargas
Vargas was one of the Mariners’ most unpredictable pitchers last season, excelling at times but struggling at others. In 77 innings out of the bullpen, he showcased both a 57.1 percent ground-ball rate and an 18.9 percent whiff rate, highlighting his inconsistency.
Spring training hasn’t been much kinder, with Vargas allowing eight hits and six earned runs in four appearances. Analysts see his potential to become an elite reliever, but he needs to deliver more consistently.
Casey Legumina
Legumina is effectively the eighth option in the Mariners bullpen, and with no minor league options left, the pressure is on. Last season was his best in three years, but even then a 5.62 ERA and 1.450 WHIP were career lows.
Spring training hasn’t eased concerns: he allowed four hits, two walks, and two earned runs in his first four appearances against competition below Triple-A level. He did throw a scoreless inning against the Rangers on Friday, but still allowed two hits and a walk, underscoring the urgency for him to improve or risk being designated for assignment.