Drafted by the Brewers in 2012, Haniger debuted with the Diamondbacks, who acquired him in a trade for Gerardo Parra, in 2016. He was involved in another high profile trade as the Mariners acquired him along with Jean Segura for Ketel Marte and Taijuan Walker prior to the 2017 season. Haniger spent six years in Seattle, where he made the All-Star team in 2018. After opting out of the 2020 covid-shortened season, he came back and hit .253 with 39 home runs and 100 RBI in 2021. Now 34, Haniger has struggled in the three seasons since ’21 and is currently out with a shoulder injury. Despite his release, he’s still set to collect $15.5 million this year, though it’s fair to wonder if this is the end of the line for him.

Haniger has not played since March 6. The 34-year-old has dealt with injuries for the overwhelming majority of his career, and is coming off an ugly .208/.286/.334 slash over 423 plate appearances in his return to Seattle. This sounds precautionary, but Haniger isn’t someone fantasy managers should be targeting either way.

This one doesn’t come as a surprise after Haniger turned in his second consecutive down year, slashing .208/.286/.334 with 12 homers and 44 RBI in 423 plate appearances over 121 contests. The 33-year-old slugger’s over-the-fence pop has been trending in the wrong direction ever since belting a career-best 39 round-trippers back in 2022. At this point, it’s difficult to envision him carrying much fantasy appeal in 2025 or beyond.

Haniger was playing mostly versus lefties in recent weeks, but now he’s remaining on the bench even against them. He’s hit .209/.285/.338 in 414 plate appearances, and he’s actually been far worse against lefties (.477 OPS) than righties (.701 OPS). Haniger has a $15.5 million player option to remain with the Mariners next year, courtesy of the three-year, $43.5 million deal the Giants gave him prior to 2023.