Mariners Moose Tracks, 2/21/25: Víctor Robles, Yusei Kikuchi, and Luis Rengifo
Happy Cactus League, everyone!
Good morning, foLLks, and happy Friday! After a long winter, some actual, practice baseball will be available to watch, as the Mariners will take on the Padres to kick off their Cactus League slate at 12:10pm. As a reminder, you’ll be able to watch via webcast on MLB.com.
In Mariners news:
- Ryan Divish profiled Víctor Robles and why the Mariners are a big believer in him.
- This bodes pretty well for the M’s rotation.
Above-average Stuff+ on both a sinker and a four-seam last season
— Eno Sarris (@enosarris.bsky.social) 2025-02-20T16:35:54.173Z
- The M’s also signed RHP Kleiver Benítez out of Venezuela.
- Late last night, the Mariners replaced the Vogey-sized hole in our hearts, signing 1B/DH Rowdy Tellez to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp.
- Anthony Franco at MLB Trade Rumors took a look at Seattle’s second base competition heading into spring training play.
Around the league:
- The Angels are eyeing old friend Yusei Kikuchi as their Opening Day starter and pitching leader.
- Also regarding the Angels, with Mike Trout officially moving to right field, expect to see Luis Rengifo - notably an infielder - get some reps in center.
- Aaron Boone signed a two-year extension to remain the Yankees’ skipper.
- The Pirates have signed LHP Andrew Heaney to a one year, $5 million contract.
- The Red Sox signed veteran lefty Matt Moore to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp.
- The Cubs and Dodgers officially got the Cactus League started yesterday with a 12-4 Chicago win, but we did get to see the first look of the challenge system with automated balls and strikes (ABS).
Here was the first ABS challenge of Spring Training: Cody Poteet challenged a called ball by tapping his head. It went to a review. Umpire Tony Randazzo announced it was overturned to a strike. Simple. Easy. Efficient.
— Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) 2025-02-20T20:37:22.951Z
- If spring training games aren’t enough for you, the 2026 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers have also begun! Nicaragua took on South Africa last night, and here’s the slate for the next few days.
It's finally here! 11 pm EST TONIGHT. South Africa and Nicaragua start the World Baseball Classsic Qualifiers. South Africa was 0-2 at WBCQ and NCA went 0-4 in the 23 Classic. As the Jeff Duda on Twitter pointed out, NCA has never lost to RSA. Pool preview here: www.mlb.com/world-baseba...
— Michael Clair (@michaelclair.bsky.social) 2025-02-20T15:40:43.147Z
- Major League Baseball and ESPN have opted out of their TV deal for 2026-28, with MLB citing “minimal coverage” as a reason. ($)
- Rob Mains at Baseball Prospectus took a look at how modern bullpens have had their consequences towards in-game comebacks. ($)