The Seattle Mariners are preparing for a major celebration of their history this weekend, with the organization set to unveil its list of the 50 greatest players in franchise history on Saturday.
The special announcement comes as the Mariners celebrate their 50th year as a franchise, giving the organization an opportunity to recognize the players who have made the biggest impact during five decades of baseball in Seattle.
From Hall of Famers and franchise icons to fan favorites and stars from more recent generations, the list is expected to feature some of the most recognizable names ever to wear a Mariners uniform.
The celebration will also bring together several former players, including those who have already retired from Major League Baseball as well as some who remain active in the league.
Not every player selected will necessarily be able to attend the festivities, however. Some former Mariners are now playing for other organizations, meaning their current commitments could prevent them from being in Seattle for the celebration.
One example is Luis Castillo, who is no longer with the Mariners after moving on to the Chicago White Sox. While Castillo could still receive recognition as one of the organization’s most valuable players, his current team could make it difficult for him to participate in person.
The event follows an entertaining Friday night that featured the Mariners’ Alumni Home Run Derby, another celebration designed to bring former Seattle players back into the spotlight.
Stefan Romero ultimately claimed the Home Run Derby title after advancing to the final round, where he faced Austin Nola. The event also featured one of the biggest names in Mariners history, Ichiro Suzuki.
The legendary outfielder took part in the festivities himself and showed that his swing still has plenty of life, launching eight home runs during the competition.
For Mariners fans, the weekend represents a chance to temporarily put the team’s current struggles aside and remember some of the greatest players who have ever represented Seattle.
The timing may be particularly important given how disappointing the Mariners’ current season has been.
Instead of focusing entirely on the team’s struggles on the field, fans will have an opportunity to look back at the players and moments that helped shape the franchise over the past 50 years.
Who Are the 50 Greatest Players in Mariners History?
One way of measuring a player’s historical importance is through wins above replacement, or WAR.
According to FanGraphs’ version of WAR, the following 50 players rank as the most valuable players in Seattle Mariners history:
- Ken Griffey Jr.
- Edgar Martinez
- Ichiro Suzuki
- Felix Hernandez
- Randy Johnson
- Alex Rodriguez
- Kyle Seager
- Jamie Moyer
- Mike Moore
- Julio Rodríguez
- Cal Raleigh
- Jay Buhner
- Erik Hanson
- Alvin Davis
- Robinson Cano
- Mark Langston
- Mike Cameron
- Bret Boone
- Freddy Garcia
- J.P. Crawford
- Logan Gilbert
- Jim Beattie
- Adrian Beltre
- Nelson Cruz
- George Kirby
- John Olerud
- Dan Wilson
- James Paxton
- Mike Zunino
- Matt Young
- Franklin Gutierrez
- Floyd Bannister
- Raul Ibanez
- Harold Reynolds
- Phil Bradley
- Hisashi Iwakuma
- Joel Pineiro
- Bill Swift
- Mitch Haniger
- Dave Valle
- Bruce Bochte
- Marco Gonzales
- Luis Castillo
- Ken Phelps
- Bryan Woo
- Julio Cruz
- Leon Roberts
- Randy Winn
- Tino Martinez
- Eugenio Suarez
The list features a fascinating mixture of players from different eras.
Some names are obvious choices.
Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez and Ichiro Suzuki are among the most iconic players in franchise history and are synonymous with the Mariners organization.
Griffey, in particular, remains one of the most beloved athletes ever to play in Seattle. His combination of power, defense and spectacular athleticism helped transform the Mariners into one of baseball’s most recognizable teams during the 1990s.
Martinez became one of the greatest designated hitters in MLB history, while Ichiro established himself as one of the most unique and accomplished hitters the sport has ever seen.
Felix Hernandez is another player who needs little introduction to Mariners supporters.
Known affectionately as “King Felix,” Hernandez became the face of the Seattle pitching staff for more than a decade. His dominance on the mound, highlighted by his legendary perfect game in 2012 and his 2010 American League Cy Young Award, cemented his place among the franchise’s all-time greats.
The list also includes players from the current Mariners roster.
Julio Rodríguez has already established himself as one of Seattle’s biggest stars despite still being relatively early in his career. His presence so high on a list based on accumulated WAR demonstrates just how significant his contribution has already been.
Cal Raleigh is another fascinating inclusion.
The Mariners catcher has developed into one of the team’s most important players and has become a major offensive threat from behind the plate.
Other modern-era stars such as Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, J.P. Crawford and Bryan Woo are also represented.
WAR Doesn’t Tell the Entire Story
While FanGraphs WAR provides an interesting way to determine the most valuable players in franchise history, it does not necessarily tell the complete story.
Baseball history is about more than statistics.
Some players have a tremendous impact on a franchise through memorable moments, leadership, postseason performances and their connection with the fan base.
That is particularly important when creating a list celebrating the 50 greatest players in a franchise’s history.
There are also certain positions that can be overlooked when relying heavily on WAR.
Relief pitchers are the clearest example.
Because of the way WAR is calculated, dominant relievers can sometimes struggle to accumulate the same career totals as everyday players or starting pitchers.
As a result, several Mariners bullpen legends could potentially be missing from a WAR-based top 50 despite making enormous contributions to the franchise.
Edwin Díaz Deserves Consideration
One of the most obvious names to consider is Edwin Díaz.
The former Mariners closer, now with the Los Angeles Dodgers, produced one of the most remarkable individual seasons ever recorded by a relief pitcher during his time in Seattle.
In 2018, Díaz was virtually untouchable.
He recorded an astonishing 57 saves in just 73.1 innings, while producing 3.5 fWAR.
That season established Díaz as one of the most dominant closers in baseball and remains one of the defining individual campaigns by a Mariners reliever.
Although his overall time in Seattle was relatively short compared with some of the franchise’s legendary players, the sheer dominance of his 2018 campaign gives him a legitimate argument for recognition.
Andrés Muñoz Could Eventually Join the List
Current Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz is another player who deserves consideration.
Muñoz has consistently demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most talented relievers in baseball. His combination of velocity, strikeout ability and consistency has made him an increasingly important part of Seattle’s pitching staff.
While his career WAR total may not yet place him comfortably among the franchise’s top 50 players, there is plenty of time for that to change.
If Muñoz continues producing at his current level, it seems increasingly likely that he will eventually establish himself among the most valuable relievers in Mariners history.
His story is still being written, meaning his ultimate position on any all-time list could look considerably different several years from now.
Arthur Rhodes Was a Major Part of Mariners History
Arthur Rhodes is another name that deserves consideration.
Rhodes enjoyed several excellent seasons in Seattle and played an important role during one of the greatest periods in franchise history.
His contributions were particularly notable during the magical 2001 season, when the Mariners won a record 116 games during the regular season.
That team remains one of the most celebrated squads in MLB history, and Rhodes was an important component of Seattle’s bullpen.
Because relievers often receive less recognition in WAR-based rankings, his overall standing can be easy to overlook.
J.J. Putz Also Made His Mark
J.J. Putz could also receive consideration.
Putz emerged as one of Seattle’s most reliable bullpen arms during the middle part of the 2000s and eventually became the team’s closer.
His ability to handle high-pressure situations made him an important member of the Mariners during his time with the organization.
While he may not have the same longevity or overall statistical profile as some of the players near the top of the franchise rankings, his impact on Seattle’s bullpen should not be forgotten.
Other Names Worth Mentioning
Shane Rawley is another interesting case.
Rawley initially worked as a reliever for Seattle before eventually transitioning into a starting role after leaving the organization for the New York Yankees.
His career demonstrates another problem with relying solely on WAR rankings when assessing a player’s place in franchise history.
Kazuhiro Sasaki could also make an argument.
Although his MLB career was relatively short, Sasaki became an important closer for the Mariners and made a significant impression during his time in Seattle.
His presence in the discussion would also provide an opportunity to recognize the growing international influence on the Mariners organization.
A Weekend for Mariners History
Ultimately, Saturday’s celebration should be about more than simply revealing a ranking.
It is an opportunity for Seattle to celebrate five decades of baseball and recognize the players who helped create the franchise’s identity.
The Mariners have experienced incredible highs and difficult lows throughout their history.
They have produced Hall of Famers, Cy Young winners, MVP-caliber stars, elite pitchers, legendary hitters and unforgettable fan favorites.
From Griffey and Martinez to Ichiro and Hernandez, the franchise has been fortunate enough to feature some truly exceptional talents.
At the same time, players from more recent generations are beginning to establish their own place in Mariners history.
Rodríguez, Raleigh, Gilbert, Kirby, Crawford and others could eventually become the legends that future generations of Seattle fans celebrate.
For supporters dealing with another frustrating season, Saturday’s festivities could therefore provide a welcome reminder of what makes the Mariners special.
The current standings will eventually become part of history.
The careers, achievements and memories created by the greatest players in franchise history will last much longer.
And as Seattle celebrates its 50th anniversary, there may be no better time to look back at the stars who helped make the Mariners what they are today.
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