The following article is from the April issue of Mariners Magazine. Pick up your copy of Mariners Magazine today at any Mariners Team Store, or subscribe to receive all six issues (April — September), plus a free 2019 Mariners Yearbook, delivered to your home or office. Each issue is filled with action photography, the latest news, player stats and feature interviews.
A couple of beads of sweat lingered on Yusei Kikuchi’s smooth face as he stood serenely outside the Mariners Spring Training complex in Peoria, Arizona, soaking in the warming February sun.