Report: Seattle Mariners add slugging 1B on minors deal

Update: The Seattle Mariners announced the signing of first baseman Rowdy Tellez to a minor league contract with a non-roster invitation to spring training on Friday morning.

The Seattle Mariners have reportedly added a power threat to the mix in spring camp.

Veteran first baseman Rowdy Tellez has signed with the Mariners on a minor league contract with an MLB spring training invite, according to Jon Heyman, a baseball insider with The New York Post.

Seattle Mariners Spring Training: Drayer’s first observations

Tellez, who will turn 30 next month, is an imposing figure from the left-handed side of the batter’s box, checking in at 6 foot 4 and 270 pounds.

In 2024, he appeared in 131 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates, hitting .243 with 13 home runs, 18 doubles, 56 RBIs, a .299 on-base percentage, .392 slugging mark and .691 OPS.

Tellez broke into the majors in 2018 with the Toronto Blue Jays, who he played for until a 2021 midseason trade to the Milwaukee Brewers. In 2022, his first full season with the Brewers, he hit a career-high 35 home runs and 89 RBIs.

Tellez also had a 21-homer season in 2019.

After a rough 2023 campaign with Milwaukee where he was limited to 105 games, Tellez went to Pittsburgh in free agency last offseason.

Hailing from Elk Grove, Calif., Tellez was taken out of high school in the 30th round of the MLB Draft in 2013 by the Blue Jays.

Tellez will provide some competition at first base in spring training for Luke Raley and Donovan Solano, who are in line to platoon at the position in 2025 for the Mariners. Tellez could also be a candidate for at-bats at designated hitter if he can make the team.

The Mariners open Cactus League play in Arizona at 12:10 p.m. Friday against their Peoria Sports Complex neighbors, the San Diego Padres. Radio coverage will be carried live on Seattle Sports beginning with a short pregame show at noon.

Mariners Spring Training: Cactus League radio schedule

The regular season for the M’s will begin at home on Thursday, Sept. 27 against the Athletics.

More on the Seattle Mariners

• Why Morosi calls Julio the most important player in the American League
• Mariners announce new radio, TV broadcast teams for 2025
• When the Mariners expect back two pitchers who missed 2024
• Bullpen prospect who could be next M’s hidden gem
• Rowland-Smith: Who should be Seattle Mariners’ opening day starter

Related

The dates to know during the MLB offseasonEx-Mariner was ready to retire before becoming Brewers’ playoff heroMorosi: M’s in favorable position for manager searchAL West Check-In: Astros part ways with manager Joe EspadaMariners 2B Cole Young named AL Gold Glove finalistDrayer: Why Joe Espada is fun, interesting candidate in Mariners’ manager search