Seattle Mariners Make Surprising Roster Move, Releasing Interesting Veteran Bullpen Arm

Shintaro Fujinami has been released by the Mariners organization despite several intriguing traits that could have made him appealing to the M's in the bullpen.

Seattle Mariners pitcher Shintaro Fujinami (13) on the mound during the seventh inning of a spring training game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex on March 7. | Allan Henry-Imagn Images

The Seattle Mariners organization cut ties with right-handed reliever Shintaro Fujinami on Tuesday, releasing him from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, according to his MiLB player page.

It's a disappointing resolution to Fujinami's tenure in Seattle after he was signed to a minor league deal in the offseason. Armed with electric stuff, he struck out 24 batters in 18.2 innings at Tacoma, however, the control is a real concern, as he walked 26 and hit three in just those 18.2 innings.

Shintaro Fujinami strikes out 2 to finish off the shutout. pic.twitter.com/k8e4ADw2Xj

— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) June 12, 2025

It's unclear why the Mariners released Fujinami at this time, but reports out of Japan indicate that he could look to resume his career in his home country.

Scott Boras spoke to Daily Sports (Japan) about Fuji being released. Per Boras 'he just didn't fit in with the team...we'll talk to him and see what we can do'. He also mentioned exploring opportunities around the league and in Japan.https://t.co/i5ZPx6PMBw

— shintaro fujinami: BRING HIM BACK ARC (@verybaseballguy) June 18, 2025

The Mariners' bullpen, although average in many spots, doesn't seem to have a lot of openings at the moment. Trent Thornton has struggled, with an ERA over seven, but the team apparently doesn't want to designate him for assignment since he's out of options. Even if they did, Jackson Kowar is waiting in Triple-A and is currently on the 40-man roster.

Fujinami came to the United States in the 2023 season, signing with the Oakland Athletics. Though he broke camp as a starter, he quickly transitioned to the bullpen, finding more success there.

He was 5-8 with the A's, posting a 8.57 ERA. However, he had a 4.85 ERA in 30 games with the Baltimore Orioles after a mid-season trade that year. He helped the Orioles get to the playoffs and continually flashed velocity in the upper-90s.

Because of a shoulder injury, he did not pitch at all in the majors in 2024. He was with the Mets organization as he rehabbed, going 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA across four levels. He had a 6.68 ERA with Triple-A Syracuse,.

The Mariners will take on the Red Sox on Wednesday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. PT.

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