BREAKING: Mariners Takes Surprising Decision On Rowdy Tellez with latest contract deal

First baseman Rowdy Tellez has an opt-out clause in his minor league contract with the Mariners that he can trigger this weekend, according to Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times. If he isn’t added to the 40-man roster by March 23, he can request his release, giving the team 24 hours to either promote him or let him go.

Tellez, who turned 30 on Sunday, has performed well in Cactus League action, hitting .297/.333/.595 with three home runs in 39 plate appearances. His strong showing has positioned him as a contender for playing time at first base or designated hitter.

Luke Raley, another left-handed hitter, is expected to get most of the reps at first base, while the DH role remains uncertain. Veterans Mitch Haniger and Mitch Garver, both right-handed and coming off down years, are in the mix, but Haniger’s lingering shoulder injury—keeping him out of games for 11 days—could open the door for Tellez. Garver, who recently missed time after being hit on the hand, returned to the lineup over the weekend and has been hitting well. He could also pair with Tellez in a DH platoon.

Tellez brings significant power to a Mariners lineup that has lacked it in recent years, highlighted by his 35-homer season with the Brewers in 2022. However, he doesn’t draw many walks or run well, which has kept his batting average and on-base percentage mediocre. Even during his standout 2022 season, he hit just .219 with a .306 OBP. His struggles have continued over the past two years, as he’s posted a .231/.295/.385 slash line in 772 plate appearances. Over his MLB career, Tellez has hit .234/.303/.436 in more than 2,300 plate appearances.