Things are happening in Houston.
Good morning friends and happy Friday! Spring training is winding down as Opening Day rosters come into focus. Here’s what’s happening.
In Mariners news…
- The Mariners are bolstering their partnership with video game empire Nintendo, announcing that they will wear a jersey path this season with the company’s logo on it. I wonder: do they have any interest in buying back their majority share in the team while they’re at it?
- The M’s are prepping for the season with an Opening Week Warm-up event at T-Mobile Park which is open to fans on Sunday, March 23. The event will feature a broadcast of the Mariners-Brewers spring training game on the jumbotron, plus on-field interviews and fan meet-and-greets with select Mariners alum and top prospects.
- Amanda Lane Cumming has returned with a new post about the Seattle Pilots’ tumultuous two-year stint in the Cactus League.
Around the league…
- Free agent outfielder Alex Verdugo finally found himself a new home, inking a one-year deal with Atlanta.
- The Padres have hired former right-hander Jake Peavy as a special assistant to the CEO.
- Astros right-hander Luis García suffered a setback in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. García felt some elbow discomfort while ramping up his activity and is being shut down indefinitely.
- Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers, who was looking really impressive this spring, is headed to the injured list with a forearm strain.
- The Astros continue to mull over the idea of breaking camp with third baseman Cam Smith, who was acquired from the Cubs this winter as the headliner in the Kyle Tucker trade. Smith has a .419/.500/.871 line with four homers this spring, but has played just 32 total games in the minors in his career.
- Alex Bregman says that he spent the entire offseason convinced that he would end up with the Tigers — before ultimately signing with Boston.
- The Blue Jays are expressing renewed confidence in their contract extension negotiations with star Vlad Guerrero, Jr., setting up Toronto fans for renewed disappointment when a deal doesn’t come to fruition.
- Pete Alonso went deep into detail about his at-bat against Devin Williams in last year’s postseason, as chronicled by Anthony DiComo.
- Mike Petriello broke down the league into tiers of competitiveness for the 2025 season. The Mariners are left occupying very familiar space as an above-average (but not elite) team.