The Seattle Mariners starting rotation was the team's most sure thing when spring training began. The group featured three All-Stars and two more pitchers heading into their third respective seasons in the majors.

Gilbert, who is entering his fifth year in the majors, put up the numbers in 2024 to lead just about any staff in baseball, throwing the most innings (208 2/3) in MLB and tying for the most starts (33) while being named to his first All-Star team and finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young Award voting.

After weeks of debate, intrigue and what Dan Wilson called “a very tough decision,” the Mariners manager and Seattle’s front office were finally ready to reveal their Opening Day starter on Saturday morning.