Mariners News, 3/8/26: James Paxton, Darell Hernáiz, and Ozzie Albies

Key Highlights

  • Ozzie Albies hit a walk-off three-run homerun for the Netherlands in the WBC.
  • Darell Hernáiz also hit an electric walk-off home run in front of the Puerto Rican crowd.
  • James Paxton is committed to Team Canada despite ending his MLB career.

Mariners News: A Global Baseball Spotlight

Happy Sunday, everyone! Today’s links bring us a mix of international baseball excitement and local insights. Let’s dive in.

The World Baseball Classic: Drama and Daring

This morning, the World Baseball Classic (WBC) provided some thrilling moments that will go down in history. Ozzie Albies, the Netherlands second baseman, hit a three-run walk-off home run against Nicaragua, securing victory for his team. The game was played at loanDepot Park in Miami, Florida.

Meanwhile, Darell Hernáiz, representing Puerto Rico, also delivered an electric moment by hitting a walk-off home run right before the home crowd in San Juan. This was just one of two such heroic acts on that day, making it a memorable Sunday for fans and players alike.

The Mariners Legend’s New Chapter

Speaking of legends, James Paxton, former Seattle Mariners star, has decided to put his Major League career behind him. However, he remains deeply committed to Team Canada in the WBC. This move is a testament to his dedication and passion for international cricket.

Insights from Inside the Team

Shannon Drayer had a fascinating chat with Adam Bernero, the Mariners’ mental performance coach. Bernero shared valuable insights into how he helps players perform at their best under pressure. His methods are crucial in maintaining the team’s morale and focus during critical games.

Around the League: Notes from the Sidelines

Back to the WBC, Team Italy is reportedly making use of Performance Enhancing Drips (PEDs), a controversial practice that raises ethical concerns. Meanwhile, Luis Arraez’s performance in the tournament has been particularly noteworthy, slugging .200 points higher than his usual MLB numbers.

The Red Sox infielder Romy González faces an uncertain future due to persistent pain in his left shoulder, which could impact his 2026 season. The Angels remain optimistic about Lucas Ramírez’s minor league prospects after his success in the WBC.

Finally, Tim Kurkijan had a memorable moment when he remembered one of his worst takes and couldn’t think of anything believable to blame.

That wraps up today’s highlights! Happy Spring Training!