Tellez makes argument for roster spot; bullpen spots still up in the air

PEORIA, Ariz. -- The Mariners are one week away from departing the desert and returning to Seattle ahead of Opening Day and still face a few pressing questions before leaving camp.

What to do with the final roster/bench spot(s)?

The most notable decision that Seattle must make is on slugging first baseman and designated hitter Rowdy Tellez, who’s had a decent camp but is on a Minors contract. He would need to be added to the 40-man roster and has a deadline of sorts.

Tellez has opt-outs on March 23 (this Sunday), May 1 or June 1, the first of which was baked in to give him clarity on whether he can seek opportunities elsewhere if he doesn’t make the team. But if he does break camp, or is added to the roster at any point in the regular season, he’ll earn a guaranteed $1.5 million.

While that doesn’t sound like much within the totality of Seattle’s payroll -- which sits just north of $150 million, per Cot's Baseball Contracts -- it’s at least an amount that would impact what’s been a tight budget.

The Mariners entered the offseason with roughly $15 million to work with then allocated a combined $10.5 million to Jorge Polanco and Donovan Solano. It’s possible that they could have some wiggle room if they’re in contention at the Trade Deadline, but either way, taking on Tellez’s contract would factor into that figure.

Tellez, 30, has hit three big homers and gotten more at-bats than all but four players, suggesting that the Mariners are giving him a legitimate look. Tellez would be in the mix at first base and DH.

If Tellez does make the team, that could squeeze out Miles Mastrobuoni, whose bat doesn’t have as much upside but who can play the infield and outfield. He’s also earning the league minimum and has one Minor League option remaining. Dominic Canzone is in this bucket, too, and he has two options left.

What to do at DH?

Beyond Tellez, some of this could depend on the status of Mitch Haniger, who hasn’t played since March 8 due to left shoulder soreness and whose only realistic avenue for much playing time is at DH. The Mariners have a set outfield with Julio Rodríguez, Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles, and Luke Raley -- a superior defender to Haniger at this point -- as the fourth.

Haniger is earning $15.5 million this year, a pricey enough sum and within a tight budget that it seems hard to envision Seattle designating him for assignment. If he’s not ready by Opening Day, the club could place him on the injured list and make the decision on his fit later.

Regardless, if not Tellez, Mitch Garver is probably the leading contender for DH reps once the regular season begins, given that, aside from nursing a sore right hand/wrist after a hit-by-pitch, he’s had a strong spring. The Mariners have said that Solano and Raley will be in the DH mix, too.

What to do with the bullpen bubble?

After the Mariners had right-hander Seth Martinez claimed off waivers on Saturday by the Marlins, from whom they claimed him less than two weeks earlier, it appears that they have potentially two spots up for grabs.

Among 40-man players, righty Casey Legumina, who has drawn Paul Sewald comparisons, is among the leading contenders and remains in big league camp, whereas Will Klein and Hagen Danner have already been optioned to Triple-A Tacoma. Eduard Bazardo also remains in camp but has been tagged for seven runs in six outings. He’s out of options, though, so if the Mariners DFA’d him, he could be claimed elsewhere.

Among non-roster candidates, Shintaro Fujinami was among the most intriguing entering camp, but his command issues have compounded, with six walks to 24 batters.

What does the infield look like?

The personnel appears mostly set, but how it will look remains unclear. Polanco was limited early from playing third base after offseason knee surgery, and it’s also a new position. Solano will be in the mix there, as well as first base -- which itself hasn’t had the most clarity, given that Raley has played there in just three Cactus League games, perhaps to allocate a more thorough evaluation of Tellez.

Then there’s second base, where Ryan Bliss has seen the most time, has hit well and by all indications will break camp. But that’s also the position that seems clearest to play Dylan Moore, who has been a career utilityman.