Logan Gilbert named Mariners’ Opening Day starter: ‘Super excited’
Opening Day in Seattle belongs to Logan Gilbert.
The reigning All-Star and standout starter has emerged from one of the league’s premier rotations, earning his first Opening Day nod when the Mariners host the Athletics at T-Mobile Park on March 27.
“I was super excited, obviously,” Gilbert told reporters after Mariners skipper Dan Wilson notified him and the rotation. “A little off-guard. I didn’t want to expect it with Luis (Castillo) being the veteran guy, and I thought he’s completely deserving. We have a bunch of guys on our staff that could be Opening Day starters.
“It’s something you always dream of. It’s a really big deal. I don’t take it lightly.”
Wilson elected to reward the workhorse and MLB’s leader in innings pitched last season (208.2 IP) for his best year yet, selecting Gilbert over Luis Castillo — Seattle’s Opening Day starter in 2023 and 2024.
Wilson considered the decision “very tough” and Gilbert didn’t want to step on toes, either. But Castillo was more excited for his teammate than Gilbert was.
“Dan told me and for five seconds, probably, I don’t think a word came out,” Gilbert said. “I was just taking it in. And Luis was like, ‘Say something!’ Super excited for me, giving me hugs.
“That’s just the kind of guy (Luis) is. Behind closed doors, (he’s) the same as you see.”
Gilbert, 27, posted a 9-12 record and 3.38 earned run average last season, whiffing a career-high 220 batters with signature sliders and four-seamers. He led all of MLB in innings pitched and WHIP (walks and hits per innings pitched, 0.887), the spark plug of the sport’s best rotation in 2024.
“Logan certainly deserves it,” Wilson said. “It was a big smile and a great moment. He’s excited about the opportunity. What a great year he had (in 2024).
“Luis Castillo has carried that torch, deservedly so over the last few years. He makes it a difficult decision. ... The Rock has been The Rock. He’s been so steady, so consistent, and has poured a lot into the young pitchers that we have. He’s the veteran of the staff.
“It’s hard to see the changing of that a little bit, but he’s been tremendous about it all.”
