The Seattle Mariners made a pivotal roster change by designating first baseman Rowdy Tellez for assignment just as Luke Raley returns from a seven-week stint on the injured list.
This move shows the Mariners’ push to rebalance their roster and get more out of first base. Tellez had flashes of power, but his inconsistency and limited offensive game made him the odd man out.
Rowdy Tellez: A Season of Ups and Downs
Rowdy Tellez entered the 2025 season hoping to carve out a real role in Seattle, but things never quite clicked. Even with 11 home runs, he struggled with a low batting average and on-base percentage, which really dragged down his impact.
The Mariners wanted him to be their main designated hitter, but injuries to Luke Raley and Jorge Polanco bumped Tellez into more first base starts. He got hot for a stretch in mid-April, but couldn’t keep the momentum going for long.
Since April 11, over 162 plate appearances, Tellez hit just .229/.265/.484. He did better against right-handed pitching, but his pull-heavy approach and lack of speed made it too easy for defenses to shift against him.
Why the Mariners Made the Move
The decision to designate Tellez wasn’t easy, but his limitations started to outweigh any upside. He struggled to draw walks and couldn’t solve left-handed pitching, which left the Mariners with few options.
Donovan Solano, on the other hand, kept grabbing his chances—especially when facing lefties. With Raley healthy again, Seattle suddenly has two solid first base choices for a potential platoon, making Tellez more expendable.
What Happens Next for Tellez?
After getting designated for assignment, Tellez faces a big crossroads. The Mariners have five days to look for a trade partner, but his remaining salary could make things tricky.
If no deal happens, he’ll hit waivers, where another team might take a shot. If he clears waivers, he can choose free agency and see who else wants his power bat.
Teams needing a lefty slugger who can hit righties might kick the tires on Tellez. Still, any interested club will have to weigh his streaky offense and defense before making a move.
What This Means for the Mariners
Cutting ties with Tellez fits Seattle’s plan to shake up their lineup and get more flexibility at first base. With Raley back and Solano making the most of his chances, a platoon lets them play matchups and get creative.
The Mariners might even look to the trade market for a right-handed first baseman, just to add more depth. It’s all about squeezing more value out of every roster spot as they try to keep pace in the AL West.
The Road Ahead
For Tellez, getting designated for assignment means his future’s up in the air. Still, there’s a chance he could find a fresh start somewhere else.
The Mariners made this move to stay flexible. They’re not afraid to make tough calls that fit their playoff goals.
Seattle’s roster is definitely in flux right now. Watching how they juggle the batting order and defense could get interesting.
Rowdy Tellez’s time in Seattle? That chapter’s closed. But the Mariners aren’t done chasing consistency or making moves—there’s probably more coming.
Here is the source article for this story: Mariners Designate Rowdy Tellez For Assignment
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