ARIZONA— The Seattle Mariners were a game away from the World Series in 2025 falling to the Toronto Bluejays in seven games in the American League Championship Series. While the Mariners had a terrific year, one player that didn’t get to contribute as much as he would have liked was opening day second baseman Ryan Bliss.
Ryan Bliss’ Promising Rookie Season Cut Short By Injury
After winning the starting job out of spring training, Bliss was riding a six-game hitting streak when he suffered a left bicep tear on April 8. That, along with an injury to his right knee forced Bliss to miss the rest of the season after just 35 at bats.
This season, the 26-year-old reported to Mariners camp earlier this month healthy and hungry to prove – once again – that he belongs.
“I’m so happy to be back playing in cleats with the boys being on the field” Bliss told MLBbro. “The spring has been going good, I’m getting going again and getting my feet under me” he added. “We have a lot of guys missing because of the World Baseball Classic but when they get back its still the same mission and that’s to make it to the World Series” Bliss added.
Ryan Bliss Was Drafted Out Of High School
Like most eventual big leaguers Bliss was drafted out of high school but in this case the second baseman chose not to sign. “Going to Auburn was probably the best decision I could have made for myself and my career. I wanted to go to college because I knew it was right for me” Bliss explained his decision to put his professional career on hold and play baseball in the Southeastern Conference. “Taught me how to be a man, taught me how to play ball, I learned a lot and in the SEC you’re facing type A pitchers every weekend. I felt prepared” he expanded proudly.
Bliss was a second-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2021 Major League Baseball draft and in July of 2023 found himself at Triple A Reno. His stint with the Aces didn’t last long as he was traded to the Seattle Mariners organization on July 31st of that season.
“Everywhere I’ve been, high school, travel ball, college, I’ve never changed schools. I had the same coaches through everything so that was the first time that I had to adjust to a different philosophy” he talked about the mid season adjustment that was made. “Getting traded teaches you a lot because you have to get used to change so quickly” he mentioned.
J.P. Crawford Is Mentoring Ryan Bliss: Spoke At His Wedding
Bliss is only 25 years old and has really appreciated the support he has gotten from both present and past teammates. Especially Mariners captain J.P. Crawford, who served as the officiant for Bliss’ wedding this offseason, with his new bride, Katelynn, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
“Phenomenal wedding,” Crawford, the Mariners’ veteran shortstop, said. “That was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever had to do. Stick me in front of 50,000 people (at a game) any day instead of having to do that again.”
“J.P. Crawford took me in right away as soon as I got to big league camp. Taylor Trammell is my guy,” said Bliss while highlighting MLBbros who have given him sound advice.
Major leaguers don’t have a lot of time away from the field, but Bliss seems to keep things simple when he is away from the ballpark.
“I like to sit on the couch. Play video games, watch TV, eat dinner with my wife. I stay inside at home since we are outside for our job all the time” he concluded.
Bliss had huge plans in 2025. He never got a chance to really prove that he can hold down a starting position. This season he’s on a mission.
