Mariners option 1B Tyler Locklear to Triple-A Tacoma; RHP Seth Martinez claimed off waivers

The Mariners trim their roster again in advance of Opening Day

The Mariners announced today that they have optioned first baseman Tyler Locklear to Tacoma.

Locklear, 24, was the Mariners’ second-round pick in 2022; the Mariners liked the power in his big right-handed bat even at VCU, which has a difficult offensive environment, similar to Double-A Arkansas.

Locklear is the most defensively talented first baseman who was in the mix for regular reps at the spot. As a former tight end, he’s deceptively quick, able to run down foul balls, while still being a big target at first, and has showed a strong ability to pick the ball.

“Lock is one of those guys who put in a ton of work this off-season,” said manager Dan Wilson. “I commend his work ethic and what he brought here. He’s continued to improve his defense and continued to improve his offense. He’s a guy that works at it and gets better, and he has really gotten better.”

Locklear had four hits in 20 plate appearances this spring, with two doubles, but also struck out six times, something he’ll need to work on in Tacoma. Despite being called up to the bigs for a brief time last season, Locklear’s minor-league track record is somewhat limited, as he missed two months of 2023 with a hand injury after being hit by a pitch with Everett.

“Lock is a guy that’s still fairly young, and has had very little experience in terms of minor-league at-bats,” said Wilson. “So for him this is just a chance to get in the flow and continue his development. He’s on the right path and he knows what that path is, and I would expect he will follow that and begin to really settle in to who he is.”

Additionally, RHP Seth Martinez, who the Mariners claimed off waivers from Miami back on March 2, has been re-claimed by Miami. The former Astro was in Mariners camp and added to the roster, causing Jackson Kowar to be bumped to the 60-day IL, but will return to the Marlins (if you’re wondering why there wasn’t a corresponding DFA move, apparently players with a certain amount of service time don’t need to be DFA’d to be claimed on waivers). Martinez was out of options, making him a less preferable choice for the Mariners, who will need to exert some roster flexibility with their bullpen as Matt Brash and Jackson Kowar work back from major surgery.

The Mariners’ spring training roster is now at 45 players.