Neftali Feliz, the 36-year-old pitcher, is adamant about keeping his baseball career alive. Having excelled as a closer for the Texas Rangers and earning the AL Rookie of the Year title in 2010, Feliz is about to make a comeback with the Seattle Mariners. They have graciously asked him to be a part of their spring training as a non-roster player. This decision followed three seasons in the Mexican League where Féliz reinvented himself as a top relief pitcher despite facing the tough hitting conditions.

His last extended period in MLB concluded in 2017 due to injuries and a performance decline. Before that, the pitcher had already undergone Tommy John surgery in 2012. His short comeback attempt in 2021 with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers only lasted four innings before he disappeared from the baseball scene again. However, instead of retiring, Féliz was rebuilding himself to revive his career in Mexico achieving an impressive 2.37 ERA with 54 saves across 121, 2/3 innings from 2022 to 2024.

Seattle Mariners: Neftali Feliz’s new road to redemption

Now, things are turning back for Feliz. According to MLB Trade Rumours, the Mariners revealed their list of 31 non-roster invitees for major league spring training, primarily consisting of in-house prospects and previously announced veteran signings. “One new name among the bunch is something of a blast from the past, as Seattle has invited former American League Rookie of the Year Neftali Feliz to big league camp,” the article read.

Neftali Feliz’s dominance wasn’t a fluke. Even with age, he maintained a strong fastball-slider combination, striking out 26.3% of hitters and keeping walks manageable at 9.8%. His performances earned him a spot in the Dominican Winter League this offseason, where he continued to thrive with Estrellas Orientales, logging a 2.11 ERA in 21 1/3 innings. However, his strikeout rate saw a dip raising some concerns about his control.

Despite the uncertainties, the Mariners remain optimistic about what he can bring to the table. This is because of his standout seasons as a top closer in baseball back in 2010 with the Texas Rangers with 40 saves under his belt while aiding them to reach their first World Series appearance. His five-year stint from 2009 to 2014 showcases a 2.53 ERA across 251 games along with an impressive strikeout rate of 9.1 batters per nine innings. His fastball, although slightly reduced, still sat around 95 mph during his MLB outings. So, his power remains effective on the mound.

Seattle, with a strong bullpen led by Andrés Muñoz and Matt Brash, doesn’t need Féliz to be its closer. But in an American League West, loaded with elite offenses, the team does value bullpen depth. If Féliz can translate his foreign league success to MLB, he could provide veteran experience and late-inning reliability.

A final shot at MLB relevance

For Neftalí Féliz, this spring training with the Seattle Mariners isn’t just another opportunity—it’s likely his last real chance to reclaim a spot in the majors. At 37, he faces an uphill battle, competing against younger, more established arms in a league that has evolved since his prime.

While his velocity still hovers around 95 mph, questions remain about his ability to miss bats at an MLB level. His recent 18.4% strikeout rate in the Dominican Winter League suggests his once-dominant fastball-slider combo may no longer be as overpowering. However, with a track record of success in high-leverage situations, Féliz could carve out a role if he proves he can still locate pitches effectively and generate weak contact.

Seattle’s bullpen has plenty of pitchers but depth plays a crucial role for any team, especially over a 162-game season. The Mariners aren’t counting on Féliz to be their closer; however, if he demonstrates glimpses of his dominance he could become a valuable option for middle relief. Right now he’s more like a lottery ticket – one, with an impressive history but an uncertain tomorrow.

In essence, Feliz’s journey has already defied the odds, but this spring will determine whether his MLB return is real or just another stop on a winding career path. Do you think he would be able to make that long-awaited comeback?