Arizona Complex League Mariners

The Arizona Complex League Mariners (ACL Mariners) are a rookie-level minor league baseball team affiliated with the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball, serving as an entry point for the organization's newest professional draftees and international signees.^[1][2] Based in Peoria, Arizona, the team competes in the Arizona Complex League (ACL), a short-season developmental circuit that operates from late June to early August, primarily featuring games on the practice fields of Major League spring training complexes.^[3] The ACL Mariners play their home games at the Peoria Sports Complex, a multi-purpose facility shared with the Seattle Mariners and San Diego Padres during Cactus League spring training.^[4] Founded in 1989 as the Arizona League (AZL) Mariners, the franchise initially played in Tempe, Arizona, before relocating to Peoria in 1993, where it has remained a cornerstone of the Mariners' player development pipeline.^[5] The team transitioned to the ACL in 2021 as part of Minor League Baseball's reorganization, which consolidated rookie leagues and eliminated short-season Class A affiliations, allowing the ACL Mariners to continue providing instructional opportunities in a competitive environment.^[6] Over its history, the franchise has achieved notable success, securing four AZL championships in 2000, 2007, 2009, and 2016, while developing early-career talents such as pitchers Shawn Chacón and position players like Wilson Delgado.^[5] In recent seasons, the ACL Mariners have maintained a competitive presence in the ACL West division, posting a 31-29 record in 2025 to finish fourth, with a focus on evaluating and refining prospects through high-volume innings and at-bats.^[7] The team's roster typically includes a mix of high school draftees, college players, and international amateurs, emphasizing fundamental skills development in a low-pressure setting that bridges amateur baseball and higher minor league levels.^[8]

History

Formation and Early Years

The Arizona League was founded in 1988 as a rookie-level circuit to provide initial professional experience for newly signed players, and the Seattle Mariners entered the league that year through a cooperative affiliation with the Boston Red Sox, forming the Red Sox-Mariners team.^[9][10] The co-op squad, managed by Mike Verdi and Myron Pines, struggled in its inaugural season, compiling a 12-47 record and finishing fourth in the four-team league.^[11][9] In 1989, the Mariners transitioned to an exclusive affiliation, establishing the Arizona Mariners as their dedicated rookie team in the league.^[5] The initial roster was composed primarily of undrafted free agents and international signees, reflecting the league's role as an entry point for players beginning their professional careers.^[10] Under manager Dave Myers, the team posted a 26-26 record, tying for third place in a six-team division.^[5] The 1990 season brought the franchise's first winning record at 32-21, securing second place and highlighting early progress in player acclimation.^[5] Managerial turnover marked the decade, with Myron Pines taking over in 1991 (33-27 record, third place), followed by Carlos Lezcano in 1992 (32-24, tied for second). In 1993, the team relocated its home base from Tempe to the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona. Marty Martinez from 1993 to 1994 (combined 39-71, last place both years), Tom LeVasseur in 1995-1996 (53-59 overall, including a 29-27 third-place finish in 1996), Darrin Garner in 1997-1998 (61-50 overall, second place both years), and Gary Thurman in 1999 (32-24, second place).^[5] Throughout the pre-2000 era, the Arizona Mariners functioned as a foundational component of the organization's player development pipeline, introducing recent MLB Draft selections—particularly high school and junior college signees—alongside undrafted free agents and international amateurs to the rigors of professional baseball in a controlled environment.^[10] This setup allowed for rapid assessment and initial skill refinement, with draftees from classes like 1990 integrating directly into the system to build toward higher levels.^[12]

Notable Milestones and League Evolution

The Arizona Complex League Mariners have secured four league championships since 2000, marking significant achievements in their developmental history. In 2000, the team clinched the title under manager Omer Munoz, finishing with a 39-16 record and defeating the AZL Rockies 1–0 in the finals. The 2007 championship came after a strong 37-19 season led by manager Jose Moreno, culminating in a playoff victory over the Arizona League Giants. Two years later, in 2009, Andy Bottin guided the Mariners to a 33-22 regular season and another title, again besting the Giants in the championship series. The most recent triumph occurred in 2016, when the team, managed by Zac Livingston, swept the Arizona League Angels in the finals, highlighted by outfielder Ryan Uhl's go-ahead two-run homer in Game 2 of the series.^[13][14][15] The league and team faced major disruptions in 2020 when Minor League Baseball canceled its entire season, including the Arizona League, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first full cancellation since the league's inception. This hiatus affected player development across all affiliates, with no games played from June to September as originally scheduled. The season resumed in 2021 following MLB's comprehensive minor league restructuring, which renamed the Arizona League to the Arizona Complex League to better reflect its role as a complex-based rookie development circuit integrated into the new Professional Development League framework. This change aligned the ACL with similar Florida operations, emphasizing year-round training and evaluation at team facilities while maintaining a similar playoff structure of divisional half-season winners.^[16][17] Since the early 2000s, the Mariners' ACL affiliate has evolved into a critical hub for international player development, serving as a primary transition point for prospects from the Dominican Summer League (DSL). The team operates two DSL squads, which feed directly into the ACL for advanced instruction in Arizona, allowing international signees to adapt to U.S.-based facilities and competition sooner after their initial summer exposure. This pipeline has grown in importance post-restructuring, with shared coaching philosophies and cross-league assignments enhancing skill progression for Latin American talent, such as position players refining defensive metrics and pitchers building velocity in controlled environments.^[18][19]

Facilities and Operations

Home Venue and Training

The Arizona Complex League Mariners primarily play their home games at the Peoria Sports Complex in Peoria, Arizona, a 145-acre facility shared with the San Diego Padres organization.^[20] Opened in 1994 as the first two-team spring training complex in Major League Baseball history, it serves as the year-round home for player development programs, including the ACL Mariners since that year.^[21] The main stadium, Peoria Stadium, has a seating capacity of 12,518 and features field dimensions of 340 feet to the left and right field corners, 385 feet to the alleys, and 410 feet to center field.^[20] The complex includes 13 full-size baseball fields—seven of which are lighted—along with four half fields, supporting extensive practice and game schedules tailored to rookie-level development.^[20] Training resources encompass eight covered major league-sized batting cages and 12 minor league hitting tunnels, 30 practice mounds, and dedicated clubhouses for the Mariners spanning 56,368 square feet, equipped with over 400 personnel lockers, dining areas, weight training rooms, and hydrotherapy facilities for medical rehabilitation.^[20][22] These amenities are designed to foster foundational skills in young prospects, with hydrotherapy areas particularly suited for injury recovery in the complex league environment.^[22] Significant upgrades have enhanced the venue's functionality over time, including a 2014 renovation of the clubhouses to LEED Gold certification standards, adding modern training spaces, and a 2015 expansion that incorporated over 400 new seats, ADA-compliant improvements, and a 2,400-square-foot team store.^[20] In 2025, the Mariners completed refurbishments to their bullpens and batting cages, improving durability and technology for daily workouts.^[23] Beyond regular ACL games, the complex hosts Arizona Fall League contests, youth baseball tournaments, and community events, broadening its role in regional baseball development.^[4] Operational logistics at the facility revolve around coordinating usage between the shared Mariners and Padres programs, with the ACL Mariners' summer schedule (typically June to August) following the MLB spring training period (February to March) to optimize field availability.^[20] This year-round player development setup ensures seamless transitions for rookies, minimizing disruptions while accommodating both organizations' needs.^[21]

Coaching Staff and Organizational Role

The Arizona Complex League (ACL) Mariners coaching staff for the 2025 season is led by manager Rico Reyes in his first year in the role, having previously served as the team's bench and outfield/base running coach for two seasons. Reyes, a University of North Texas alumnus, brings experience from his time as an assistant coach at Odessa College and in independent professional baseball. Bench coach Chase Wullenweber joins the organization for the first time, after working as an assistant coach at Murray State College in Oklahoma; he played collegiately at Georgia Southern University and Georgia State University. Hitting coach Chase Miller returns for his second season in the position and with the Mariners, following prior work at Ascent Athlete, a performance training facility. Pitching coach Bryan Pall is in his third year with the organization and second in this role, having coached the Dominican Summer League Mariners' pitchers the previous season; Pall was a 2017 draft pick of the Mariners out of the University of Michigan and pitched in their minor league system until 2022. Sergio Plasencia serves as the return-to-play coach, focusing on player rehabilitation and development. As the lowest level in the Seattle Mariners' minor league affiliate structure, the ACL Mariners serve as the primary entry point for recent draft picks and international signees, emphasizing foundational skills training, physical conditioning, and initial professional acclimation. The coaching staff operates under the Mariners' player development umbrella, implementing standardized instructional philosophies from the major league organization to build consistency across levels. This rookie-level placement allows for intensive evaluation of raw talent, with the ACL functioning as a developmental hub in the Arizona summer heat, distinct from the year-round Dominican Summer League operations. Historical managerial turnover in the ACL Mariners has been frequent, reflecting the transient nature of rookie ball coaching, but with occasional stability providing continuity for young players. For instance, Luis Caballero managed the team for two consecutive seasons from 2023 to 2024, compiling a 59-57 record and overseeing the progression of several prospects to higher affiliates. Earlier, Austin Knight held the position in 2021 amid the league's pandemic-shortened schedule. Such tenures, though brief compared to upper minors, have enabled coaches to influence early player habits, with Caballero's emphasis on defensive fundamentals credited for smoothing transitions for draftees to Single-A Modesto. The ACL coaching staff plays a pivotal role in the Mariners' scouting and evaluation process, monitoring daily performance metrics to inform promotions within the system. Strong showings in fundamentals—such as plate discipline, fielding, and velocity control—directly factor into decisions for advancement to levels like Single-A, where players face more advanced competition. This evaluative function integrates with the organization's broader analytics-driven approach, providing data to scouts and front-office personnel for long-term roster planning.

Performance and Records

Season-by-Season Results

The Arizona Complex League Mariners, previously operating as the Arizona League Mariners until the league's rebranding in 2021, have maintained a rookie-level affiliate presence since their inception in 1989. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in no games played. The following table summarizes the team's annual performance, including wins, losses, winning percentage, divisional or league finish, and manager where documented.^{[15][24][25][26]}

Championships and Postseason Achievements

The Arizona Complex League Mariners have secured four league championships in their history, all achieved through postseason play in the single-game or best-of-three finals format typical of the league during those eras. These titles came in 2000, 2007, 2009, and 2016, highlighting periods of strong collective performance in a highly competitive rookie-level environment.^[3] Beyond these, the team has made eight total postseason appearances since 1989, often qualifying via strong regular-season finishes or wild-card berths in the league's divisional structure.^[5] In 2000, the Mariners clinched their first title with a 1-0 victory over the AZL Rockies in the single-game championship, capping a dominant 39-16 regular season that placed them first overall. Managed by Omer Muñoz, the team relied on timely hitting and solid relief pitching to secure the win at Peoria Sports Complex. No formal MVP was named, but starter Clint Nageotte stood out during the regular season with a 4-1 record and 2.16 ERA, contributing to the postseason push.^[15][13] The 2007 championship saw the Mariners defeat the AZL Giants 8-5 in the decisive one-game final, under manager José Moreno, following a 37-19 regular season good for first place. Pitcher Jake Wild delivered a standout performance, striking out 14 batters in the championship game to earn recognition as the key contributor, while the offense exploded for eight runs.^[27] This victory marked the team's second title and underscored their ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. In 2009, finishing first in the West Division in the regular season at 33-22, the Mariners advanced through the expanded playoff format and edged the AZL Giants 3-2 in the one-game final on August 31 at Scottsdale Stadium. Managed by Andy Bottin, the team benefited from balanced contributions across the roster, with no single MVP highlighted, but the win solidified their status as a postseason contender. (Note: Game logs confirm the 3-2 score, aligning with official imagery records.)^[28] The 2016 title was the most recent, with the Mariners sweeping the best-of-three finals 2-0 over the AZL Angels, including a 3-1 victory in Game 2 on September 3. Under manager Zac Livingston, who guided a 31-25 regular-season team to the crown, outfielder Ryan Uhl provided the decisive blow with a go-ahead two-run homer in the fourth inning of the clincher. Pitchers Dylan Thompson and Carlos Hernández combined for effective starts, while reliever David Ellingson notched the save with a perfect ninth.^[14] Outside of championships, the Mariners reached the postseason in 2001 (34-22 regular season, lost finals to the AZL Athletics), 2014 (31-22, lost in second round to the AZL Cubs), 2015 (31-25, lost finals to the AZL D-backs), and 2017 (31-24, lost first round to the AZL Giants). These appearances demonstrate consistent divisional contention, particularly in the 2010s, though they fell short of further titles. No additional postseason berths occurred from 2018 to 2025, with the 2020 season canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[5] Across these championship seasons, the Mariners exhibited patterns of pitching dominance, with ERAs consistently below the league average (typically around 4.50 in the Arizona Complex League), enabling success in tight, low-scoring playoff games. Offensive efficiency, rather than raw power, proved crucial, as evidenced by batting averages hovering near .270 in three of four title years, allowing the team to capitalize on opportunities against evenly matched opponents.^[3]

Players and Personnel

Current Roster

The Arizona Complex League Mariners' 2025 roster, as of November 14, 2025, totals 36 active players with no individuals on the injured list or with specified expected return dates. The composition reflects a blend of Seattle Mariners' recent MLB Draft selections—particularly from the 2025 class—and international signings, with mid-season transactions limited to routine player assignments and no major trades or releases reported through the postseason.^[32][33]

Pitchers

The pitching staff features 24 players, emphasizing young arms with a focus on development for the Mariners' farm system. Ages calculated from date of birth as of November 14, 2025.^[32][33]

Catchers

The catching group includes 5 players, providing depth for instructional and game experience.

Infielders

Four infielders round out the position player core, focusing on versatile defenders and hitters.

Outfielders

The outfield consists of 3 players, emphasizing speed and power potential. The coaching staff supports player development with the following roles: Luis Matias and Rico Reyes (managers), Chase Wullenweber (bench coach), Chase Miller (hitting coach), Bryan Pall (pitching coach), and Sergio Plasencia (coach).^[32]

Notable Alumni

The Arizona Complex League Mariners (formerly the Arizona League Mariners) have served as an important developmental hub for numerous players who advanced through the Seattle Mariners' system to Major League Baseball, often beginning their professional careers or making key adjustments at the rookie level. Many alumni spent limited time in the ACL due to rapid promotions, but their early exposure in Arizona contributed to skill refinement before higher minor league assignments. Position players and pitchers alike have emerged from the program, with several achieving All-Star status or long-term MLB roles.

Position Players

Prominent position player alumni include Alex Liddi, who signed as an international free agent in 2005 and debuted professionally with the AZL Mariners in 2006, where he batted .313 with 57 hits, 5 home runs, and 34 RBI in 46 games, finishing fifth in the league batting title race. Liddi progressed through the Mariners' affiliates and made his MLB debut in 2011, appearing in 101 games over three seasons (2011–2013) primarily as a third baseman and first baseman, hitting .208 with 6 home runs before continuing his career in other organizations and international leagues.^[34] Kyle Seager, selected in the third round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of the University of North Carolina, joined the AZL Mariners late in his debut season on July 15, 2009, playing one game and going 0-for-3 at the plate. Despite the brief stint, Seager quickly advanced, reaching the majors by 2011 and enjoying a distinguished 11-year career exclusively with the Mariners through 2021, where he earned three All-Star selections (2014, 2016, 2018), hit 35 home runs in 2021, and accumulated 1,401 hits with a .253 batting average.^[35] More recent graduates include José Caballero, originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the seventh round of the 2017 MLB Draft from Chipola College and acquired by the Mariners in a December 2018 trade for cash considerations. Caballero played sparingly but effectively in the AZL/ACL Mariners across three seasons: .455 batting average in 3 games (2019), .280 with 2 home runs in 8 games (2021), and .600 in 2 games (2022). He debuted in MLB with the Mariners in 2023, appearing in 104 games with a .221 average and 26 stolen bases, before being traded to the Tampa Bay Rays; in 2024, he led the American League with 44 stolen bases in 139 games. In 2025, Caballero led MLB in stolen bases before being traded to the New York Yankees on August 1.^[36] Jonatan Clase, signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in July 2018 for $35,000, spent part of his 2021 season with the ACL Mariners, batting .245 with 2 home runs, 10 RBI, and 16 stolen bases in 14 games while showcasing elite speed. Clase advanced rapidly through the system, debuting in MLB with the Mariners on April 15, 2024 (19 games overall in 2024, .195 average, 3 stolen bases) before a midseason trade to the Toronto Blue Jays, where he played 7 games that year; he continued with the Blue Jays in 2025, appearing in 34 games.^[37]

Pitchers

Among pitchers, Eric O'Flaherty stands out as a sixth-round pick in the 2003 MLB Draft out of Walla Walla High School (Washington), posting a strong 3-0 record with a 1.95 ERA, 20 strikeouts, and 7 walks in 13 appearances (27.2 innings) for the AZL Mariners that year. O'Flaherty debuted in MLB with the Mariners in 2005 and enjoyed a 12-year career (2005–2016) across multiple teams, primarily as a left-handed reliever, compiling a 3.70 ERA in 408 games with 20 saves.^[38] Julio Mateo, signed as an international free agent from the Dominican Republic in 1996, excelled in 1997 with the AZL Mariners, going 3-1 with a 3.30 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 60 innings over 13 appearances. Mateo reached the majors with the Mariners in 2002, serving as a reliable middle reliever through 2007 (3.23 ERA in 197 games) before returning to international baseball.^[5] These alumni exemplify the ACL Mariners' role in nurturing talent, with post-2015 graduates like Caballero and Clase highlighting the program's continued pipeline to the majors as of 2025.

Rehabilitation Assignments

Program Overview

The Arizona Complex League (ACL) Mariners serve as a key venue for Major League Baseball (MLB) player rehabilitation assignments, particularly for Seattle Mariners players recovering from injuries. These assignments allow injured players on the 10-day, 15-day, or 60-day injured list to participate in minor league games and practices to regain game readiness without impacting major league rosters. In the context of rookie-level leagues like the ACL, rehab stints emphasize a low-pressure environment suitable for gradual reintegration, where players can face live competition while adhering to individualized recovery plans determined by the organization's player development staff.^[39][40] MLB rules under Major League Rule 6(g) govern these assignments, permitting major league players to rehabilitate with minor league affiliates such as the ACL Mariners, provided they obtain player consent and approval from the Commissioner's Office. For position players, the maximum duration is 20 days, while pitchers are limited to 30 days, with possible extensions for specific surgeries like UCL reconstruction up to an additional 30 days with approval. In the ACL context, these stints are tailored to the league's rookie-level structure, focusing on controlled workloads; Mariners-specific guidelines, integrated with medical staff at the Peoria Sports Complex, include customized pitch count limits and at-bat targets to prevent re-injury, though exact thresholds vary by individual case and are set by development personnel. Rehab players do not count against the host team's active roster limits, enabling up to three concurrent assignments per team at lower levels like High-A or below.^[40] The Mariners have utilized the ACL for rehabilitation since the mid-1990s, coinciding with the opening of the Peoria Sports Complex in 1994, which has served as the organization's headquarters for player rehab programs. This historical integration involves close coordination between athletic trainers, strength coaches, and medical staff to monitor progress, with frequency depending on injury volume—typically several players per season undergo ACL stints as part of broader recovery protocols. The program's advantages include a controlled setting with access to specialized facilities like hydrotherapy pools and pitching mounds, fostering safe progression in a familiar environment proximate to the Mariners' spring training site, which minimizes travel and supports seamless transitions back to major league action.^[39]

Notable Stints and Impact

One prominent example of a rehabilitation assignment in the Arizona Complex League (ACL) Mariners occurred in May 2025, when right-handed pitcher Jackson Kowar began his recovery from Tommy John surgery performed the previous year. Kowar made his ACL debut on May 4 against the ACL Royals, pitching one inning in which he allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits while striking out one batter. Over his subsequent rehab appearances split between the ACL and Triple-A Tacoma, Kowar logged eight outings (two starts) with a 2.57 ERA across 10.1 innings, paving the way for his activation from the 60-day injured list on May 28 and return to the major league bullpen. However, Kowar later encountered a shoulder issue in September 2025, leading to another injured list placement and highlighting the challenges of post-surgery recovery timelines, which extended his time away from the majors into late 2025.^[41] Similarly, veteran reliever Trevor Gott joined Kowar in the ACL for rehab work in early May 2025, following his own Tommy John surgery in March 2024. In his initial outing on May 4, Gott pitched a scoreless inning, surrendering one hit with no walks and one strikeout. Despite this promising start, Gott's overall rehab performance across 6.1 innings yielded a 9.95 ERA, contributing to the Mariners' decision to release him on June 3, 2025, before he could return to the active roster. This case illustrates a notable failure in the rehab process, as Gott's velocity and command did not fully rebound, ultimately ending his tenure with the organization after a brief 2023 stint. Post-release, Gott was re-signed by the Mariners to a minor league contract on June 8, 2025, but did not appear in MLB games in 2025.^[42][43][44] Left-handed reliever Gabe Speier underwent a successful ACL rehab in July 2024 after a left rotator cuff strain sidelined him since late May. Speier's second rehab appearance on July 15 featured one scoreless inning with one hit, no walks, and two groundouts, building on a prior scoreless frame earlier that week. He completed his assignment without setbacks and was reinstated to the major league roster on July 19, where he contributed 12.1 innings in relief over the remainder of the 2024 season with a 3.65 ERA. Speier's efficient return underscored the ACL's role in facilitating quick recoveries for shoulder injuries, allowing him to bolster the Mariners' bullpen during a playoff push. Long-term, this stint helped stabilize Speier's career trajectory, as he remained a key lefty specialist into 2025.^[45][46][47] In September 2021, right-hander Diego Castillo rehabbed a right shoulder inflammation with the ACL Mariners, appearing in one game on September 2. Castillo delivered a perfect inning, striking out two batters without allowing a hit or walk, which expedited his activation from the 10-day injured list on September 4. This brief but effective outing enabled Castillo to return to the Mariners' bullpen, where he pitched 5.2 scoreless innings over four appearances to close the season. The quick turnaround positively influenced Castillo's career, as he logged 58.1 innings with a 2.93 ERA in 2022 before further shoulder issues arose in subsequent years, demonstrating the ACL's utility for short, targeted rehab for inflammation-related ailments.^[48][49] Outfielder Kyle Lewis utilized an 11-game rehab stint with the Arizona League (AZL) Mariners in June 2017 to recover from lingering effects of a 2016 ACL tear in his right knee. Lewis posted a .260 average during this period, regaining timing and defensive mobility at center field before rejoining High-A Modesto on July 20. His overall 2017 performance across levels reached .257/.332/.434 with seven home runs in 49 games, culminating in a strong Arizona Fall League showing (.315/.394/.553 in 24 games) that affirmed his top-prospect status. Lewis debuted in the majors with the Mariners in 2019, earning AL Rookie of the Year honors with a .257 average and 21 home runs, though recurring knee and other injuries limited him to just 111 games over the next four seasons before his release in 2023. The 2017 AZL rehab proved pivotal in bridging his minor league development to MLB success.^[50] Prospect shortstop Colt Emerson began his 2024 rehab assignment in the ACL Mariners on June 27 following a fractured foot sustained in May. In his debut, Emerson went 1-for-4 with a run scored, playing five innings at shortstop without error, including a hustle double from first to third on a single. Across two rehab games (one in ACL, one in Modesto), he batted 2-for-7 before activation on June 30. Emerson's seamless return contributed to a breakout High-A season (.290/.396/.463 with 10 home runs in 82 games), solidifying his status as the Mariners' No. 1 prospect entering 2025. This early rehab success minimized lost development time, positioning him for a potential Double-A promotion in 2025 and accelerating his path to the majors.^[51][52] These cases reflect a mix of outcomes in ACL rehab assignments from 2017 to 2025, with successes like Speier and Castillo enabling prompt major league returns and career extensions, while setbacks for Gott and Kowar underscore recovery variability. Overall, such stints have supported player development by providing low-pressure environments for building innings or at-bats, often leading to sustained contributions at higher levels for those who progress fully.