Rick Rizzs’ Final Mariners Season As He Prepares To Retire

Rizzs Announces Final Mariners Run

Rick Rizzs, who has spent 41 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and 52 years behind a microphone, says the 2026 campaign will be his last. The 72‑year‑old broadcaster revealed his plans in January and now finds the reality of hanging up his headset “starting to feel real.” On KIRO Newsradio’s “Seattle’s Morning News” he admitted he is “trying to pump the brakes, you know, and slow it down a little bit.”

Rizzs has already curbed his travel, leaving the road for the first time until September. He is savoring extra time at home with his grandchildren and his cat Sparky, a nod to legendary Tigers manager Sparky Anderson. “I’m starting to feel like what retirement is going to be like, and I’m liking the time off,” he said, while insisting he will “still be around.”

Mariners Look To Right The Ship

Rizzs insists he still has “unfinished business” with the Mariners, hoping to see the club reach the playoffs and even the World Series. Seattle sits at 48‑49, a half‑game behind the Texas Rangers in the American League West. He laid out a three‑point blueprint: get healthy, improve run‑production with runners in scoring position, and boost right‑handed hitters against left‑handed pitching.

The lineup has been inconsistent, hitting just .052 in five straight road defeats, according to Rizzs. He praised the club’s power potential, noting he favors “two‑run home runs, three‑run home runs.” The team’s interior has been hit hard by injuries, with J.P. Crawford on the injured list since opening day, Brendan Donovan still rehabbing, and Julio Rodríguez expected back Friday.

Trade Deadline Hopes And Prospect Promise

Rizzs expects Seattle to be active before the August 3 trade deadline, targeting a right‑handed bat and another high‑velocity arm for the bullpen. He pointed to president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto’s knack for “pulling off a deal,” citing the midseason acquisitions of Eugenio Suárez and Josh Naylor as recent successes. General manager Justin Hollander is guiding the effort.

The organization’s farm system is showing promise, highlighted by Double‑A right‑hander Cade Anderson. In his debut professional season, Anderson is 8‑0 with a 1.22 ERA over 13 starts, striking out 99 batters while walking only ten. Anderson and fellow prospect Ryan Sloan recently starred in the All‑Star Futures Game, earning Rizzs’ praise for the scouting department’s draft picks.

A Career Honored

Rizzs joined the Mariners in 1983 after three seasons with the Detroit Tigers, replacing Hall of Famer Dave Niehaus in the booth. He has been the team’s voice since the magical 1995 season, building a reputation for his infectious enthusiasm. The broadcaster’s legacy will be remembered not only for his play‑by‑play but also for his deep connection to the city and its fans.