Mariners, Michael Mariot Agree To Minor League Deal

The Mariners have signed right-handed pitcher Michael Mariot to a minor league contract, according to his transaction log on MLB.com. He has been assigned to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. Mariot, 35, was previously under contract with the Diablos Rojos del México of the Mexican League, but the Diablos Rojos released him earlier this week, presumably to allow him to sign with the Mariners.

The Royals selected Mariot in the eighth round of the 2010 draft, and he made his MLB debut with Kansas City in 2014. From 2016 to ’18, he played in the Phillies, Padres, and, once again, Royals organizations. After the Royals released him in August 2018, the righty spent time in the Atlantic League, the Mexican League, and the American Association before making his way back to affiliated ball. Between 2021 and ’22, he spent time in the Reds, Nationals, Phillies, and Tigers organizations before jetting off to Taiwan to join the CTBC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League.

His league-switching continued the following year. Mariot signed with the Cleburne Railroaders of the American Association in May before the Reds purchased his contract that summer. In September 2023, he made his first big league appearance since 2016, going 2 2/3 innings against Seattle, giving up one run on four hits. Perhaps the Mariners saw something they liked that day. 

Although Mariot has not had much lasting success with any league or at any level throughout his professional career, he has clearly demonstrated a willingness to pitch – traveling the world to do so. This year, Mariot will eat innings for the Rainiers for as long as they need him to, and he offers the Mariners a serviceable option for a spot start or long-relief appearance.