Gregory Santos Non-Tendered by Mariners: What It Means

The Seattle Mariners just made a notable roster move ahead of 2025, cutting ties with right-hander Gregory Santos after a rough, injury-filled year. Santos, who arrived in 2024 with hopes of shoring up Seattle’s bullpen, never actually got to pitch for the team because of a nagging shoulder issue.

By non-tendering him, the Mariners let the 25-year-old reliever hit free agency. Now, other teams can take a shot at him—or maybe Seattle circles back later if the price is right.

Mariners Make Tough Call Ahead of 2025

This non-tender decision really shows the tough choices teams face during MLB’s offseason. When arbitration and injury risks pile up, front offices have to weigh upside against financial risk.

For Seattle, they clearly didn’t want to pay an arbitration salary for a player who missed an entire season.

Injury Woes and Missed Opportunities

Santos came to Seattle with a high-upside reputation. His fastball touches triple digits, and his command had taken a step forward.

After a solid 2023 with the Chicago White Sox—over 60 appearances, sub-4.00 ERA—expectations were high that he’d join Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash in the late innings. But his 2024 vanished, thanks to that stubborn shoulder. He never made his Mariners debut.

The Non-Tender Deadline Reality

Every offseason, MLB’s non-tender deadline pushes clubs into tough calls on players who are hurt, haven’t produced, or might earn more than they’re worth in arbitration. Santos checked a few of those boxes.

The Mariners cleared his roster spot and saved payroll, deciding not to risk his health.

Strategic Roster Management

Seattle’s front office, led by Jerry Dipoto, doesn’t hesitate to shake up the bullpen. Cutting Santos from the arbitration track gives them room to chase other relief arms, whether in free agency or trades.

Still, you never know—they might revisit Santos if the money lines up, especially since he’s young and still has upside.

What Santos Brings to the Table

Even with the injury, Santos is still an intriguing free agent:

• Velocity: His fastball sits at 98-100 mph, and hitters don’t get much time to react.
• Improving Command: His 2023 strikeout-to-walk numbers looked promising.
• Youth: At 25, he’s got time to get healthy and improve.
• Versatility: He’s handled high-pressure spots before, which any bullpen can use.

Potential Landing Spots

Teams needing bullpen help might see Santos as a cheap gamble with upside. Rebuilding clubs and contenders looking for a power arm could both take a look.

He handled heavy usage in Chicago, assuming his shoulder holds up.

Impact on Seattle’s Bullpen Plans

For the Mariners, letting Santos go just adds another item to their offseason to-do list. Seattle’s got some strong late-inning arms already, but you always need depth and durability over a full season.

With Santos gone, Dipoto and his staff will have to get creative—maybe free agents, trades, or even a minor-league call-up. That’s just the reality of building a bullpen these days.

Looking Ahead

If Santos signs elsewhere and rebounds, people might question Seattle’s decision. Non-tender moves usually come down to money, not just how good a player is.

This separation might not last forever. Both sides could still find common ground and work out a new, friendlier deal.

 
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