“Are You Even Trying?” Former Mariners Infielder Lashes Out
March 7, 2025
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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing d.vonScio@newsweek.com.
Drew VonScio
Contributing Sports Writer
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Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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Former Seattle Mariners infielder Justin Turner didn’t mince words when it came to expressing his frustrations about the team and its offseason decisions.
The Mariners had one of the best rotations in baseball in 2024. They boasted a 3.40 ERA between all five pitchers in a rotation that returns all five starters in 2025, and looks to build on its successes from a year ago.
Yet they had zero offensive support to show for it, which led to Turner voicing his displeasure. He ultimately signed with the Cubs, but it didn’t stop him from speaking up to Bob Nightengale from USA Today.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 28: Justin Turner #3 of the Chicago Cubs bats in the first inning against the Texas Rangers during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Surprise,… SURPRISE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 28: Justin Turner #3 of the Chicago Cubs bats in the first inning against the Texas Rangers during a spring training game at Surprise Stadium on February 28, 2025 in Surprise, Arizona.
Tim Warner/Getty Images
“Honestly, as much as I wanted to be back there, if I was the only piece they brought back in, I would be saying the same thing,” Turner told Nightengale. “What the hell are we doing? Are we even trying?”
Turner’s comments come after the Seattle rotation allowed opponents to hit just .232 in 2024 — the lowest in the major leagues. The Mariners missed the playoffs a year ago by a singular game, something the fanbase had to think about all winter.
All the team did in the offseason was bring back Jorge Polanco on a one-year deal.
“There’s never going to be a better time in the history of that franchise to have added a couple of bats to make a run than this year, and they missed it,” Turner told Nightengale. “… I thought (Pete) Alonso was a slam-dunk. How can you not go after him? You kidding me?”
While the Mariners may not have been the team of choice for Alonso, they certainly could have made an offer to him — or any big-name free agent for that matter.
General manager Justin Hollander has made his bed. He’s hoping for internal improvements with the pitching leading the way. Mariners fans are hoping it works out, or there will be lots of people hoping the bed comes with a very warm pillow.
More MLB: ‘Go Where I’m Wanted’: Former Yankees Infielder Takes Shot at Team
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