The Seattle Mariners announced on Friday that they have released veteran right-handed pitcher Neftali Feliz. The 37-year-old was in camp as a non-roster invitee but is now a free agent again.
In addition to Feliz’s release, the Mariners also optioned right-handed pitcher Will Klein to Triple-A Tacoma and reassigned infielders Samad Taylor and Nick Dunn to their minor league camp. These roster moves continue the team’s spring training adjustments as they finalize their lineup for the upcoming season.
Feliz Struggles in MLB but Excels in Mexican and Winter Leagues
Feliz has not pitched in Major League Baseball since 2021, and he has only thrown four big-league innings since the 2017 season. The former 2010 American League Rookie of the Year has spent recent years playing in the Mexican League and Dominican Winter League.
His attempt to return to MLB with the Mariners saw him pitch four innings in Cactus League play, where he allowed three earned runs on six hits with one strikeout and no walks. Despite this effort, the Mariners ultimately decided to part ways with the veteran pitcher.
Neftali Feliz (MLB)While Feliz has struggled to return to MLB, he has performed well in the Mexican League over the past few years. Pitching for four different clubs, he has maintained an impressive 2.37 ERA across 121 2/3 innings, striking out 26.3% of batters while walking 9.8%.
Additionally, he has delivered strong performances in the winter ball. His continued success in these leagues suggests that he remains a capable pitcher, albeit at a level below Major League Baseball.
Feliz’s Early Dominance and Injury Struggles Shape His Uncertain Baseball Future
At his peak, Feliz was one of the most dominant relief pitchers in baseball, regularly throwing his fastball at 96 mph and generating a high strikeout rate. He was particularly effective in his early career, posting a 2.53 ERA with 87 saves through his age-26 season. However, injuries, including Tommy John surgery and ulnar nerve palsy, derailed his career. Since then, he has struggled in the major leagues, posting a 5.16 ERA over his last 151 innings.
With his release from the Mariners, Feliz is now available for other teams to sign if they believe he can contribute to their bullpen. Given his success in the Mexican League, a return to that circuit for a fourth season is also a strong possibility. Whether another MLB team takes a chance on him or he continues his career internationally, Feliz remains an experienced pitcher with a proven track record outside of the major leagues.
