The Seattle Mariners have officially released outfielder Mitch Haniger due to ongoing left shoulder issues that troubled him during spring training. At 34 years old, Haniger was in his second term with Seattle after joining from San Francisco, where he signed a $43.5 million contract. His brief performance this spring yielded only three hits in 18 at-bats, including a solo home run, which is a stark contrast to his breakout 2021 season when he hit 39 home runs.

Despite a promising start to his career, Haniger's production has dwindled in recent years, with a career-low batting average of .208 last year. Mariners' president Jerry Dipoto acknowledged Haniger's contributions, emphasizing his dedication and impact during his time with the team. Haniger expressed gratitude to the organization and fans, highlighting the cherished memories he made while donning the Mariners uniform.

The Seattle Mariners have officially parted ways with veteran outfielder Mitch Haniger, marking the end of a significant chapter in the franchise's history. Haniger, who debuted with the team in 2017 and earned an All-Star selection in 2018, leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication, highlighted by his contributions during the Mariners' playoff run in 2022.

President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto praised Haniger's impact, acknowledging his professionalism and influence on both the team and the community. Haniger expressed gratitude for his time in Seattle, reflecting on cherished memories made at T-Mobile Park. With 60 home runs, he holds the fifth spot for all-time home runs at the venue, solidifying his place in Mariners lore.

The MLB Winter Meetings are approaching, set for December 9-12 in Dallas, and the Seattle Mariners are intensifying trade discussions. A potential target is Nolan Arenado from the St. Louis Cardinals, but several challenges complicate a possible trade.

Arenado, who will be 34 soon, has seen a decline in his offensive stats, despite being a top defender. His hefty contract and a restrictive no-trade clause further complicate matters. If the Mariners are interested, they may need to offload a significant salary.

The Seattle Mariners are in a tight financial spot, with only $15-20 million available for the remainder of the season. To bolster their roster, they should consider signing veterans like Justin Turner or Carlos Santana, who can provide leadership and fill gaps at first base.

Additionally, targeting younger talent such as Hyesong Kim from South Korea could enhance their athleticism. Yoan Moncada is another potential low-cost option to add depth. The Mariners must be strategic in their spending to maximize value.

The Seattle Mariners are facing a challenging offseason after narrowly missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. With limited financial resources estimated between $15-20 million, they need to address key positions such as second base, third base, and the bullpen.

Options include trading prospects for affordable players, signing bounce-back candidates, or shedding salary by trading established players like Luis Castillo. The potential trade of Castillo to the New York Mets has been suggested, but the Mariners must ensure they receive substantial value in return.