The Seattle Mariners experienced a disappointing 2024 season, finishing just shy of a wild-card spot with an 85-win record. This marks their second consecutive year missing the postseason after ending a two-decade drought in 2022. The offseason has yielded minimal improvements, with the signings of Donovan Solano and Jorge Polanco, raising questions about the team's commitment to winning.

Despite rumors of pursuing significant moves, including a potential blockbuster trade involving Luis Castillo and bringing Justin Turner back, the Mariners have been passive. Turner expressed confusion over the lack of action from the front office, questioning why the team hasn’t added more impactful players when they possess one of the strongest pitching rotations in the league. As the Mariners prepare for the upcoming season, the uncertainty surrounding their strategy raises concerns about their ability to compete in a tough AL landscape.

The Seattle Mariners made headlines this offseason, especially with the significant movements of their former players. Notably, Paul Sewald, the former closer for Seattle, signed a one-year contract worth $6 million with the Cleveland Guardians. In his first encounter with Mariners' catcher Cal Raleigh during spring training, Sewald faced a familiar challenge when Raleigh hit a home run off him, giving the Mariners a temporary lead. The Mariners eventually secured a 7-2 victory in that game, showcasing their growing lineup despite the recent changes.

Raleigh joked about hitting the homer, referencing their past collaborations, highlighting the light-hearted nature of their competitive relationship. With Sewald having recorded a solid 2.88 ERA with 51 saves for Seattle over three seasons, this matchup will be eagerly watched when both teams meet again in 2025. The Mariners are also anticipating new contributions from Seth Martinez, a recent acquisition from the Houston Astros, enhancing their bullpen depth.

As fantasy baseball drafts approach, the top-12 catchers for 2025 have been highlighted, offering valuable insights for managers. Leading the pack is William Contreras of the Milwaukee Brewers, whose stellar performance last season positioned him as the top option. His brother, Willson Contreras, now with the St. Louis Cardinals, has transitioned to first base, maintaining catcher eligibility while increasing his playing time.

Adley Rutschman of the Baltimore Orioles follows, though he faced challenges last season, impacting his stats. Salvador Perez remains a consistent powerhouse, showing no signs of decline. Yainer Diaz and Cal Raleigh are rising stars, while veteran Will Smith provides consistent production. Shea Langeliers and J.T. Realmuto round out the list, with Realmuto looking for a bounce-back season. New names like Logan O'Hoppe and Gabriel Moreno also make the cut, showcasing the depth at the position.

The catcher position presents a challenging landscape in fantasy baseball, particularly for the 2025 season. Only two catchers, William Contreras and Adley Rutschman, are currently valued within the top 75 picks, making it essential for fantasy managers to discern value from overvalued players. J.T. Realmuto struggled in 2024, raising concerns about his performance; his 161.7 ADP makes him a risky choice. Conversely, both Shea Langeliers and Cal Raleigh present strong value picks, with Langeliers showcasing impressive power and Raleigh emerging as a top-tier option. Salvador Perez continues to defy age with productive numbers, yet Adley Rutschman may be a reach at his current ADP.

As the 2025 fantasy baseball season approaches, identifying value picks in best ball leagues becomes crucial. Notably, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners stands out as a prime target, having posted impressive numbers including a strong barrel rate and the potential for another 30-home run season at a discounted ADP of 82. Similarly, Eugenio Suárez, now with the Arizona Diamondbacks, excels in best ball formats, finishing as one of the top third basemen based on his second-half surge, making him an enticing pick at ADP 132.

Jonathan India, recently traded to the Kansas City Royals, represents a buy-low opportunity at ADP 181 thanks to his projected lead-off role, which could boost his run production. Isaac Paredes, now a member of the Houston Astros, has shown great potential for power, particularly in the hitter-friendly environment of Minute Maid Park, making him a worthy gamble at ADP 216. Lastly, Ryan McMahon, despite his consistent performance, is surprisingly undervalued at ADP 234, particularly with favorable scoring in best ball formats.