Just In: Seattle Mariners Make Sneaky Roster Adjustment

The Seattle Mariners have long boasted one of the most talent-rich farm systems in baseball — and they’ve been showcasing that depth throughout the season. The latest excitement is brewing in Triple-A Tacoma, where a once-overlooked prospect is beginning to reemerge.

Him — a familiar name to Mariners fans thanks to past prospect rankings and a short stint in the majors in 2024 — is making a case for another shot. After a disappointing debut in Seattle where he batted just .156/.224/.311 with two homers over 16 games, He was sent back to Tacoma with a clear mission: sharpen his plate discipline and improve his contact rate.

Tyler Locklear forces Mariners to take notice after batting stance adjustment in Tacoma

That mission seems to be well underway — so what’s changed?

According to the Mariners Minors account on X, a key development has been a subtle but effective adjustment to Tyler Locklear’s swing mechanics, particularly during his load phase. Earlier this season, Locklear kept his hands high, around head level. Now, he begins his swing with his hands lower — beneath the jersey letters, just under the shoulders. This change appears to be helping him stay more controlled and in rhythm as he enters the hitting zone.

Traditional swing mechanics often teach hitters to bring their hands up to shoulder height and behind the back shoulder to generate maximum power and bat speed. But in baseball, there’s rarely a universal approach — the sport thrives on individual adjustments. Locklear’s swing may not be conventional, but it’s clearly effective, and that’s what counts.

After hitting only two home runs in April and May (while driving in 24 runs over 50 games), Locklear has broken out in June. He’s posted a .304/.402/.623 slash line with a 1.026 OPS, five home runs, and 15 RBIs in just 19 games this month.

Overall, he’s batting .289/.378/.455 with eight home runs, 41 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases — an unusual but exciting mix of power and speed for a first baseman.

This isn’t a case of meaningless Triple-A numbers — Locklear’s performance is the type that warrants another big-league look.

The Mariners recently designated Rowdy Tellez for assignment following Luke Raley’s return from the injured list, prompting a reconfiguration at first base. Raley is expected to share time between first and right field, while veteran Donovan Solano — who’s been on fire in June with a .467/.500/.800 line over his last 10 games — will likely handle the right-handed portion of the platoon.

But Solano’s early-season struggles, when he was barely hitting above the Mendoza Line, can’t be ignored. If his hot streak ends, Seattle may find itself needing a more stable right-handed bat at first base.

That’s where Locklear comes in. While no one in Seattle’s front office is hoping Solano cools off, Locklear’s rise gives the team a solid backup plan. He’s producing, staying healthy, and making key adjustments — and with Triple-A Tacoma just 35 miles away from T-Mobile Park, he could be just one hot stretch or injury away from returning to the majors.