The Seattle Mariners are ramping up their preparations for the 2024 season, showcasing their starting pitchers in early spring training. In a recent split-squad game against the San Francisco Giants, Bryce Miller impressed with a solid performance, pitching 1.2 innings, allowing no hits and striking out three batters. Miller's fastball reached an impressive 98 mph, while he continues to develop a new cutter with notable vertical and horizontal movement.

Despite facing a lineup mostly composed of Giants' backups, Miller's outing signals he's ready for the regular season starting March 27. Other Mariners pitchers, including Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, and George Kirby, have also seen action in spring training, indicating the team's depth in starting rotation. With a 2.94 ERA last season, Miller is one to watch as he aims to build on his previous success.

The San Francisco Giants actively pursued a trade for Seattle Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo during the offseason, according to reports. The Giants aimed to bolster their rotation after losing Blake Snell to free agency, ultimately acquiring Justin Verlander on a one-year deal instead. Castillo, a seasoned right-hander, has been a target for various teams, notably the Boston Red Sox, but the Mariners resisted proposals involving Triston Casas. Despite trade talks, Castillo is set to remain in Seattle's rotation, which features talents like Bryan Woo and George Kirby, indicating a formidable pitching lineup for the upcoming season.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff faces high expectations following a stellar 2024 season. Their starting rotation led the league in quality starts, innings pitched, and featured four pitchers making 30 or more starts. Leading the charge was Logan Gilbert, who boasted a 3.23 ERA with 220 strikeouts in 208.2 innings over 33 starts, earning his first All-Star selection and finishing sixth in the AL Cy Young race.

Gilbert ranked in the top 10 for ERA and WHIP, prompting discussions about his Cy Young candidacy for 2025. His teammate Bryce Miller expressed confidence in Gilbert's abilities. The Mariners’ rotation includes several pitchers with promising Cy Young odds for the upcoming season; DraftKings lists Gilbert and fellow pitchers George Kirby, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo among the top candidates. The Mariners’ success hinges on this elite pitching core continuing to excel.

The Seattle Mariners' pitching staff remains a formidable force, boasting three All-Star starters: George Kirby, Luis Castillo, and Logan Gilbert. With up-and-coming talents like Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, the team enjoys a wealth of options to build their rotation. The opening day starter debate is heating up, with Ryan Rowland-Smith advocating for Logan Gilbert, who had a standout season, finishing with a 3.23 ERA and 220 strikeouts in 2024. While Castillo, a respected veteran and the highest-paid pitcher, has held the role in previous seasons, Gilbert's impressive performance may earn him the nod for the 2025 opener against the Athletics.

Gilbert's 2024 season included making his first All-Star appearance and finishing sixth in the Cy Young voting, highlighting his potential as the ace of the staff. Rowland-Smith's comments draw parallels to historical decisions, such as Erik Bedard starting over Felix Hernandez in 2008. The competition between Gilbert and Castillo reflects the Mariners' depth, ensuring that regardless of the choice, the team is set up for success as they aim for the upcoming season.

The Seattle Mariners are entering spring training with minimal injury issues, a welcome relief from last season’s setbacks. Key reliever Matt Brash is on track for an April return following Tommy John surgery, while fellow pitcher Luis Castillo and reliever Gregory Santos are cleared to participate. However, the team encountered fresh injury concerns as reliever Troy Taylor was initially sidelined with a right lat strain. Fortunately, Taylor’s condition improved rapidly, allowing him to resume throwing just three days into spring training.

Taylor's impressive performance last season solidified his role in the Mariners' bullpen, posting a 3.72 ERA with 25 strikeouts in 19.1 innings. His return reduces the competition for bullpen spots, raising anticipation for who will step up alongside him and the rest of the Mariners' relievers in what promises to be an engaging spring.