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]| Year | Wins | Losses | Win % | Finish | Manager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | 28 | 28 | .500 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Dave Myers[15] |
| 1990 | 32 | 21 | .604 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Dave Myers[15] |
| 1991 | 33 | 27 | .550 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Myron Pines[15] |
| 1992 | 32 | 24 | .571 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Carlos Lezcano[15] |
| 1993 | 18 | 36 | .333 | 8th (Arizona League) | Marty Martinez[15] |
| 1994 | 21 | 35 | .375 | 8th (Arizona League) | Marty Martinez[15] |
| 1995 | 24 | 32 | .429 | 4th (Arizona League) | Tom LeVasseur[15] |
| 1996 | 29 | 27 | .518 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Tom LeVasseur[15] |
| 1997 | 30 | 26 | .536 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 1998 | 31 | 24 | .564 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 1999 | 32 | 24 | .571 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Gary Thurman[15] |
| 2000 | 39 | 16 | .709 | 1st (Arizona League) | Omer Munoz[15] |
| 2001 | 34 | 22 | .607 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Omer Munoz[15] |
| 2002 | 27 | 29 | .482 | 5th (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 2003 | 30 | 25 | .545 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Scott Steinmann[15] |
| 2004 | 31 | 25 | .554 | 4th (Arizona League) | Scott Steinmann[15] |
| 2005 | 27 | 29 | .482 | 5th (Arizona League) | Dana Williams[15] |
| 2006 | 25 | 30 | .455 | 5th (Arizona League) | Dana Williams[15] |
| 2007 | 37 | 19 | .661 | 1st (Arizona League) | Jose Moreno[15] |
| 2008 | 21 | 35 | .375 | 8th (Arizona League) | Andy Bottin[15] |
| 2009 | 33 | 22 | .600 | 1st (Arizona League) | Andy Bottin[15] |
| 2010 | 20 | 36 | .357 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Jesus Azuaje[15] |
| 2011 | 25 | 31 | .446 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Jesus Azuaje[15] |
| 2012 | 31 | 25 | .554 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Mike Kinkade[15] |
| 2013 | 22 | 32 | .407 | 3rd (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 2014 | 31 | 22 | .585 | 1st (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 2015 | 31 | 25 | .554 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Darrin Garner[15] |
| 2016 | 31 | 25 | .554 | 2nd (Arizona League) | Zac Livingston[15] |
| 2017 | 31 | 24 | .564 | 1st (Arizona League) | Zac Livingston[15] |
| 2018 | 16 | 38 | .296 | 6th (Arizona League) | Zac Livingston[15] |
| 2019 | 22 | 34 | .393 | 7th (Arizona League) | Zac Livingston[25] |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | - | Season cancelled (COVID-19) | N/A[15] |
| 2021 | 39 | 18 | .684 | 1st (ACL West) | Austin Knight[24] |
| 2022 | 26 | 29 | .473 | 4th (ACL West) | Luis Caballero[26] |
| 2023 | 31 | 25 | .554 | 2nd (ACL West) | Luis Caballero[24] |
| 2024 | 28 | 32 | .467 | 2nd (ACL West) | Luis Caballero[24] |
| 2025 | 31 | 29 | .517 | 4th (ACL West) | Rico Reyes[24][19] |
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]| Year | Batting Average | ERA | Notes on Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | .316 | 4.10 | Highest offensive output among title years; strong regular-season finish propelled playoff run.[13] |
| 2007 | .267 | 3.39 | Lowest ERA, reflecting pitching staff's control in championship game.[29] |
| 2009 | .268 | 3.78 | Balanced attack in low-scoring final; wild-card qualification key to advancement.[30] |
| 2016 | .268 | 3.66 | Sweep highlighted timely power hitting and bullpen reliability.[31] |
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.| Name | Age | B/T | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kade Anderson | 21 | L/L | 2025 MLB Draft, 1st round (3rd overall) |
| Gregori Arrieche | 23 | R/R | International free agent |
| Juan Cazarez | 20 | R/R | International free agent |
| Anderson Guevara | 20 | R/R | International free agent |
| Thomas Higgins Jr. | 22 | R/R | Undrafted free agent |
| Griffin Hugus | 21 | L/R | 2025 MLB Draft, 3rd round (91st overall) |
| Juan Jimenez | 18 | R/R | International free agent |
| Anthony Karoly | 21 | R/R | 2023 MLB Draft, 18th round |
| Po-Chun Lin | 19 | L/R | International free agent |
| Danny Macchiarola | 21 | L/R | Undrafted free agent |
| Kendal Meza | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
| Ruddy Navarro | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
| Francisco Pazos | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
| Roberto Perez | 21 | R/R | International free agent |
| Mason Peters | 21 | L/L | 2023 MLB Draft, undrafted |
| Cole Phillips | 22 | R/R | 2021 MLB Draft, 12th round |
| Juan Pinto | 21 | L/L | International free agent |
| Ruben Ramirez | 20 | R/R | International free agent |
| Dusty Revis | 23 | R/R | 2025 MLB Draft, 11th round |
| Wuilliams Rodriguez | 21 | R/R | International free agent |
| Jose Romero | 21 | R/R | International free agent |
| Jackson Steensma | 21 | S/R | 2023 MLB Draft, 16th round |
| Eduardo Uscanga | 18 | R/R | International free agent |
| Dylan Wilson | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
Catchers
The catching group includes 5 players, providing depth for instructional and game experience.| Name | Age | B/T | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sebastian De Andrade | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
| Carlos Gonzalez | 21 | R/R | International free agent |
| Luke Heyman | 22 | R/R | 2025 MLB Draft, 14th round (422nd overall) |
| Grant Jay | 22 | R/R | 2025 MLB Draft, 12th round |
| Eduardo Ponce | 19 | R/R | International free agent |
Infielders
Four infielders round out the position player core, focusing on versatile defenders and hitters.| Name | Age | B/T | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Martin Gonzalez | 21 | R/R | International free agent |
| Bryant Mendez | 22 | R/R | International free agent |
| Estevan Moreno | 22 | R/R | Undrafted free agent |
| Brady O'Brien | 23 | R/R | Undrafted free agent (2025) |
Outfielders
The outfield consists of 3 players, emphasizing speed and power potential.| Name | Age | B/T | Acquisition Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelvin Alcantara | 20 | L/L | International free agent |
| Brayden Corn | 22 | R/R | Undrafted free agent |
| Konni Durschlag | 23 | R/R | 2022 MLB Draft, 18th round |