The best Seattle Mariners player of all time is widely considered to be Ken Griffey Jr. His iconic swing, remarkable defensive plays in center field, and charismatic personality made him a global superstar and the undisputed face of the Mariners franchise during a pivotal era.
Griffey Jr. was a generational talent who combined incredible power with Gold Glove-caliber defense. He spent 11 seasons with the Mariners, achieving numerous accolades, including the American League MVP award in 1997, where he hit 56 home runs and drove in 147 runs. His legacy in Seattle is defined by his prodigious home runs, highlight-reel catches, and leading the team to their most successful periods, including the memorable 1995 playoff run. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, with the vast majority of his career impact stemming from his electrifying tenure in Seattle.
While Ken Griffey Jr. holds the top spot, the Mariners franchise has been home to several other legendary players who left an indelible mark on the team's history. These include a dominant pitcher, a perennial batting champion, and one of the greatest designated hitters in baseball history.
Here's a look at some of the top Seattle Mariners players of all time:
| Rank | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Center Fielder |
| 2 | Ichiro Suzuki | Right Fielder |
| 3 | Edgar Martinez | Designated Hitter |
| 4 | Randy Johnson | Starting Pitcher |
Other Mariners Legends
Beyond Griffey Jr., other Mariners greats have their own distinct claims to fame:
- Ichiro Suzuki: Known for his unparalleled hitting consistency, incredible speed, and cannon arm from right field. He holds the MLB single-season record for hits with 262 (set in 2004) and amassed over 3,000 career hits in North America, becoming an instant fan favorite for his unique style and consistent production.
- Edgar Martinez: A true hitting savant, particularly effective as a designated hitter. His clutch performances, consistent offensive production, and remarkable on-base percentage earned him a Hall of Fame induction and solidified his status as one of the best pure hitters of his era. His name is synonymous with the team's legendary moments, including the iconic "Double" in 1995.
- Randy Johnson: "The Big Unit" was a dominant force on the mound, a towering left-hander with an intimidating fastball and slider. During his time with the Mariners, he established himself as one of the most feared pitchers in baseball, winning a Cy Young Award in 1995 and setting multiple strikeout records before continuing a Hall of Fame career elsewhere.
These players collectively represent the pinnacle of talent that has graced the Seattle Mariners uniform, but Ken Griffey Jr. remains the player most synonymous with the team's greatest era and is widely recognized as the franchise's all-time best.
