The Seattle Mariners have officially released outfielder Mitch Haniger due to ongoing left shoulder issues that troubled him during spring training. At 34 years old, Haniger was in his second term with Seattle after joining from San Francisco, where he signed a $43.5 million contract. His brief performance this spring yielded only three hits in 18 at-bats, including a solo home run, which is a stark contrast to his breakout 2021 season when he hit 39 home runs.

Despite a promising start to his career, Haniger's production has dwindled in recent years, with a career-low batting average of .208 last year. Mariners' president Jerry Dipoto acknowledged Haniger's contributions, emphasizing his dedication and impact during his time with the team. Haniger expressed gratitude to the organization and fans, highlighting the cherished memories he made while donning the Mariners uniform.