The Seattle Mariners announced Saturday that Dylan Moore has been designated for assignment (DFA) to clear a roster spot for the reinstatement of Víctor Robles, effectively ending Moore’s seven-year tenure in the Pacific Northwest.
For many fans, the move was overdue, as frustration had grown over manager Dan Wilson continuing to play Moore despite his struggles. Since May 28, Moore managed just three hits, posting a .045 batting average, .240 OPS, -26 wRC+, and -0.9 fWAR.
At 33, Moore’s confidence has clearly waned as the season has progressed. Still, the Mariners’ hesitation to part ways with him is understandable, given his reputation as one of the team’s most loyal, popular, and hard-working players since making his Major League debut in Japan at the start of the 2019 season.
From the highest of highs to the lowest of lows with the Mariners
Dylan Moore’s career trajectory highlights just how quickly fortunes can change in baseball—and professional sports in general. Just last year, he became the first Mariner to win the American League Gold Glove at the utility position and joined the exclusive club of 16 franchise players to record 30 or more stolen bases in a single season.
Even at the start of 2025, Moore looked poised for another standout year. The 2015 seventh-round draft pick earned his first-ever American League Player of the Week honors from April 14-20, hitting .385 with a 1.177 OPS. By the end of April, he was putting together what appeared to be a career season, posting a .286 batting average, .903 OPS, and 154 wRC+.
However, the season ultimately turned into one of the toughest of Moore’s career. He finished with a .193 batting average, .622 OPS, 78 wRC+, and a career-low 0.2 fWAR. He struggled especially against left-handed pitching, though by season’s end, his woes extended to all pitchers.
While fans were understandably frustrated by Moore’s dramatic decline, his status as the ultimate teammate also earned their sympathy. What comes next for the Yorba Linda, California native remains uncertain, but those connected to the Mariners will likely wish him well as he moves forward.
