Mariners slugger Mitch Haniger gives fans a reason not to give up on him

Harsh or not, Seattle Mariners fans expect little from Mitch Haniger in 2025. Last season was one of his worst ever years in the Majors, resulting in career lows with a .208 batting average, .334 slugging percentage and .620 OPS.

However, maybe … just maybe … there is some reason for hope among the Mariners faithful, with some positive early signs in spring training in Peoria.

For a start, Haniger entered camp feeling a lot better and healthier than last year, having spent the majority of the previous offseason focused on rehabbing back issues. Speaking to the media, including Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times, Haniger explained the problems which compromised his preparation for last season.

“My whole goal was to get strong again,” he said, per Divish. “I wasn’t able to get as strong as I normally would. I wanted to get back to normal. I feel stronger (this time around). I did what I needed to be ready to play outfield last season on opening day, but I felt like I didn’t have that strength in reserve.”

Mariners relied on Mitch Haniger too much in 2024

It didn’t help that the 34-year-old probably played more than he or anyone else was anticipating to begin his second tenure in Seattle, with his 121 games representing the third-most of his time in the Majors. Combined with the aforementioned back issues and lack of strength, it was no surprise that he wore down quickly, after initially making an encouraging start to the 2024 regular season.

This time around, Haniger is not expected to see anywhere near as much playing time in the outfield, instead adding depth there while mostly working out of the DH spot. In any event, he will do whatever is asked of him, as he said: “It’s not my job to put the roster together and I can’t worry about that stuff. I’m just focused on what I can bring every day to the team by working hard, setting a good example, helping my team win and trying to be the best player I can.”

The 2012 first-round draft pick sure comes across as someone who is relaxed and at peace with his standing on the Mariners roster. Of course, it also helps that he will be making the third-most on the team, after exercising his 2025 player option for $15.5 million.

Still potential for some Mitch Haniger magic with the Mariners

There’s little denying that Haniger is no longer the same player who was named an All-Star in 2018, or the one who recorded career highs of 39 homers and 100 RBI with the Mariners in 2021. However, this doesn’t mean he can’t still be of some use in Seattle, even in — or maybe because of playing in — a more limited capacity.

In this respect, the Mountain View, California native gave a glimpse of his old self on Monday afternoon in Cactus League play versus the Milwaukee Brewers. In a 12-8 win for the Mariners, he hit his first home run of the year in his first plate appearance of the game.

Haniger was asked about the moment and his mechanics by Divish and the media after the game. He said: “It feels pretty good. I feel like it’s efficient. I definitely have some work to do, but I feel like I’m in a good spot.”

This is an ideal way to sum up how Haniger feels as he continues to prepare for his ninth year in MLB. The Mariners and their fans naturally hope he also gives them reason to feel good once the regular season begins, and throughout the course of the 2025 campaign.