The Seattle Mariners take a day off this Thursday as they prepare to hit the road for the first time in the 2026 season. However, the quiet doesn’t mean inactivity.
Off the field, the front office continues shaping the roster. They are making decisions that reflect both immediate needs and the organization’s long-term direction. For Seattle, the most recent adjustments include a familiar name returning to the lineup.
The Return of J.P. Crawford
Executive Vice President and General Manager Justin Hollander announced that the Mariners are activating shortstop J.P. Crawford from the injured list, while infielder Ryan Bliss has been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma.
Crawford made a brief rehab appearance with Triple-A Tacoma after dealing with right shoulder inflammation. While there the focus was on getting him back into the game rather than looking for results.
Over the course of the 2025 season, Crawford once again proved his value as one of the team’s most reliable players. He hit .265 with 69 runs scored, 24 doubles, 12 home runs, and 58 RBI. His disciplined approach at the plate remained a defining trait, drawing 74 walks and posting a .352 on-base percentage.
Across nine Major League seasons with Philadelphia and Seattle, Crawford has built a steady resume. His .248 career batting average over 930 games played solidify his reputation as a stabilizing presence both defensively and in the clubhouse.
Ryan Bliss Heads Back to Tacoma
Bliss, 26, saw limited action with Seattle this season, recording just two plate appearances where he went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts.
His 2025 season was defined largely by injury. In just 11 games, he hit .200 before suffering a torn left bicep. The injury ended his season prematurely. A later rehab stint brought more bad luck, as he sustained a torn meniscus in his right knee.
Despite the setbacks, Bliss has shown flashes of potential. Since making his 2024 MLB debut, he has appeared in 45 games, hitting .210 with 3 home runs, 12 RBI, and 7 stolen bases.
His minor league record tells a more complete story. Across four seasons between the Diamondbacks and Mariners, Bliss hit .267 with an .800 OPS, showcasing speed and the ability to get on base.
The Future of Seattle’s Shortstop
This season carries added weight for Crawford. It marks the final year of his five-year, $51 million contract extension. Over the past eight seasons, Crawford has been a solid shortstop through rebuilding years, transitional rosters, and the return to postseason relevance.
His defense brought stability, and when his bat peaked in 2023, he delivered one of the most complete seasons of his career: a .266 average, .380 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, and a league-leading 94 walks.
However, it is hard to ignore other recent moves made by the organization.
Top prospect Colt Emerson recently signed a long-term extension, a rare move for a player so early in his development. It signals strong belief from the organization that Emerson could be a key player in upcoming seasons.
For now, Emerson remains in Triple-A Tacoma, with the team opting not to rush his progression. However, it hints at another possibility, that the Mariners might be preparing for what comes after Crawford.
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