Seattle Mariners release veteran OF Mitch Haniger

A week where young player after young player was whittled from the Seattle Mariners’ camp roster as they work their way towards identifying the final 26 for opening day ended with the release of one of its most veteran players – Mitch Haniger.

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The Mariners announced the release of Haniger before their penultimate spring training game Sunday morning.

“Mitch has been a significant part of Mariners history and will be missed,” Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said in a press release. “The day he arrived for his first spring training back in 2017, he established himself as one of the most focused, prepared, and hardest working players I’ve ever been around. We all appreciate the many ways he’s made us all better, on the field and off.”

Originally acquired from the Diamondbacks along with Jean Segura and Zac Curtis in a November 2016 trade, it was the then-lesser-known Haniger that would leave the biggest mark on the Mariners. Among his accomplishments with the team, Haniger leaves as the record holder for walk-off hits with eight, each a memorable moment for the team and fans alike.

“Putting on a Mariners uniform and playing at T-Mobile Park is something I’ll cherish forever,” Haniger said. “To our fans, my teammates, and everyone a part of this organization, thank you for embracing my family and me. We have so many great memories to look back on.”

When Jerry Dipoto embarked on the “step back” plan following the 2018 season, Haniger was one of the few players not dealt away. The intent was to keep the player teammates called “our champion,” as the example for the young players they anticipated coming up.

While he has had many memorable moments and set career highs in home runs (39), RBI (100) and runs scored (110) with the team, injuries have also been a part of his story. His latest, shoulder discomfort, has kept him from games since March 8. With the roster crunch it was hard to see how playing time would be found for the 34 year old, and the move was made with the club to pay the remaining $15.5 million remaining on the final year of his contract.

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