Mariners Non-Tender Three Relievers Including Santos and Thornton

The Seattle Mariners shook up their bullpen with some early offseason moves. They declined to tender contracts to relievers Gregory Santos and Trent Thornton, sending both into free agency.

Left-hander Tayler Saucedo also exited after a trade and a quick designation for assignment. These choices close out certain player chapters but open doors for Seattle to rethink its pitching staff as 2026 approaches.

Mariners Part Ways with Thornton and Santos

Seattle decided not to bring back Trent Thornton and Gregory Santos. Both pitchers now hit the open market as the club looks to overhaul its bullpen after a rough, injury-filled 2025.

Trent Thornton’s Tenure Ends After Injury Setback

Trent Thornton, 32, had been a steady presence in the Mariners’ bullpen for three seasons. From 2023 through 2025, he put up a 3.65 ERA over 127 games and often handled late-inning work.

His 2025 season ended abruptly on July 31 when he tore his Achilles tendon. That injury needed surgery and will likely keep him out at the start of 2026.

MLB Trade Rumors projected Thornton would earn about $2.5 million next year. With his recovery still up in the air, Seattle chose not to tender him a contract, valuing flexibility over keeping the veteran righty around.

Gregory Santos Never Found His Rhythm in Seattle

Seattle brought in Gregory Santos from the White Sox before 2024, hoping for a breakout. Instead, injuries limited the 26-year-old to just eight outings in 2024 and eight more early in 2025.

Santos’ ERA climbed to 4.91 in 2024, then to 5.14 in 2025. The Mariners never got the high-leverage arm they’d hoped for, and with his health still a question, they’re moving on from the hard-throwing righty.

Tayler Saucedo’s Departure Marks a Local Farewell

In a separate move, lefty Tayler Saucedo left after a trade with the Red Sox for reliever Alex Hoppe. Saucedo, a Maple Valley native, called pitching for Seattle a “dream come true”, and fans definitely felt that connection.

Impact and Legacy with Seattle

Between 2023 and 2024, Saucedo built a 3.54 ERA over 105 outings and earned a reputation as a reliable situational arm. His 2025 campaign, though, got derailed by a lat injury, and he spent most of it in Triple-A Tacoma.

Even with the setback, Saucedo stayed close to the fanbase, thanking teammates and supporters in a heartfelt social media post. That kind of gratitude doesn’t go unnoticed in Seattle.

Roster Implications and What’s Next

With these departures, the Mariners now have two open spots on their 40-man roster. GM Justin Hollander and his staff can use those openings to chase new bullpen arms or patch other holes this winter.

Key Factors Moving Forward

Seattle weighed a few things when making these decisions:

• Injury concerns — Thornton’s Achilles tear and Santos’ ongoing issues left them unreliable.
• Financial flexibility — The team had to consider salaries versus what the players could actually deliver.
• Roster space — Now there’s room for free agents or maybe a Rule 5 Draft pick.

Final Thoughts

Seattle’s front office has taken a bold approach this offseason. They’ve started overhauling the bullpen already, making some tough decisions on relievers who struggled or spent too long on the injured list.

For fans, it’s hard not to feel a little conflicted. Letting go of familiar names always stings, even if you know it’s probably for the best.

Will the Mariners chase big names in free agency, swing a trade, or give someone from Triple-A a real shot? It’s anyone’s guess, but the next few months should be interesting.

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