The Seattle Mariners are intensifying their preparations as spring training unfolds in Peoria, Arizona. Most notably, shortstop J.P. Crawford and ace pitcher Logan Gilbert faced off in live at-bats, with Crawford securing a hit against his teammate. This matchup is significant as Crawford aims to bounce back from a tough 2022 season, while Gilbert is coming off an All-Star performance.

Crawford, who battled injuries last season, posted a disappointing .202 batting average with nine home runs in 105 games. Conversely, Gilbert had a stellar season, achieving a 3.23 ERA and leading the team in strikeouts, which earned him a sixth-place finish in the American League Cy Young voting. The early signs from training camps suggest both players are on the right track as they gear up for the regular season.

Entering the fantasy baseball season requires more than just basic knowledge; it demands a strategic approach to outperform competitors. Key metrics for assessing player value have evolved, with traditional stats like wins, batting average, and ERA often misleading. Instead, rely on advanced analytics like FIP and Statcast metrics to gauge a player's true performance and potential regression.

Additionally, actively engaging in the trade market to 'buy low' and 'sell high' can unlock significant advantages. Roster management strategies, such as streaming pitchers and maximizing player opportunities from high-scoring teams, are essential for building a competitive lineup. Lastly, patience through streaks, particularly with volatile players, can lead to substantial long-term rewards.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff remains a formidable force, boasting three All-Star starters: George Kirby, Luis Castillo, and Logan Gilbert. With up-and-coming talents like Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, the team enjoys a wealth of options to build their rotation. The opening day starter debate is heating up, with Ryan Rowland-Smith advocating for Logan Gilbert, who had a standout season, finishing with a 3.23 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 2024. While Castillo, a respected veteran and the highest-paid pitcher, has held the role in previous seasons, Gilbert's impressive performance may earn him the nod for the 2025 opener against the Athletics.

Gilbert's 2024 season included making his first All-Star appearance and finishing sixth in the Cy Young voting, highlighting his potential as the ace of the staff. Rowland-Smith's comments draw parallels to historical decisions, such as Erik Bedard starting over Felix Hernandez in 2008. The competition between Gilbert and Castillo reflects the Mariners' depth, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the team is set up for success as they aim for the upcoming season.

Fantasy baseball points leagues are gaining traction, mirroring the popularity of fantasy football, which emphasizes different strategies for drafting pitchers. With notable names like Paul Skenes and Tarik Skubal leading the rankings, starting pitching is increasingly viewed as a valuable commodity in points formats. This has resulted in a trend where pitchers are often drafted higher than in traditional roto leagues.

The rankings for the top 50 starting pitchers feature a mix of established stars and emerging talents, indicating a deeper pitching pool compared to previous years. Particularly, Skenes, Skubal, and Wheeler are recognized as top-tier options. Draft strategies should reflect the importance of securing quality arms early, especially in points leagues where scoring systems reward pitchers for innings pitched and strikeouts.

The Seattle Mariners are gearing up for a promising 2025 season, buoyed by a standout starting rotation that recorded the most quality starts in the league and featured four pitchers with 30 or more starts last year. Each member of the rotation finished with an ERA below 3.70, setting high expectations for their encore performance.

Among the notable players is Bryce Miller, who has been named the 87th-best player in baseball by MLB Network, heading into his third Major League season. He achieved impressive stats in 2024, including a 2.94 ERA and 171 strikeouts across 180.1 innings, ranking in the top five for WHIP and opposing batting average.

Miller's diverse pitching arsenal, highlighted by a newly introduced cutter, promises even more effectiveness in 2025. His continued development, coupled with the established talent in the Mariners' rotation, points towards another elite season for the club's pitching staff.