Bryce Miller Eyes Healthy Return as Mariners Regroup After ALCS Exit

The Seattle Mariners came within reach of their first World Series appearance in over two decades but were stopped by the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Championship Series. The loss ended one of the franchise’s most competitive seasons in recent memory and immediately shifted the conversation toward how the team can take the next step.

Central to that discussion is Bryce Miller, a young right-hander whose season was defined as much by injuries as flashes of promise. The 26-year-old spent multiple stints on the injured list with elbow inflammation, limiting his ability to contribute to Seattle’s late-season push. Despite the setbacks, reports indicate that Miller is expected to avoid surgery, allowing him to enter the offseason focused on recovery rather than rehabilitation.

For Miller, the 2025 campaign represents both a comeback opportunity and a personal reset. “The season didn’t go, personally, anywhere near how I wanted it to,” Miller admitted. “But I finished the year the best I felt all year — three good starts, I felt like. My body and my arm feel good, so just get better, get fully healthy and be ready to go from Day 1 next year.”

That sense of optimism is shared by the Mariners’ front office, which views Miller as an integral part of its young rotation. With postseason experience now under his belt, the organization hopes his health can match his potential when the new season begins.

1. Managing a Lingering Elbow Issue

Miller’s elbow issues were first identified early in the year, when a bone spur was diagnosed after months of discomfort. The pitcher received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in June, a common non-surgical treatment aimed at reducing inflammation and accelerating healing. Despite the procedure, the lingering soreness affected his ability to stay consistent through the middle portion of the season. As he looks ahead, Miller and the Mariners’ medical staff have laid out a plan designed to manage the issue without resorting to surgery. The approach includes a gel cortisone injection this offseason and another prior to spring training. These steps aim to control inflammation and maintain flexibility throughout the long season ahead. “Now that we know how to deal with the bone spur, we can figure out what we need to do exactly with it and go from there,” Miller said, sounding confident about the team’s medical approach. For a pitcher whose success depends on command and spin rate, stability in his throwing arm will be critical. Seattle’s staff is cautiously optimistic that the offseason plan will allow Miller to build strength without interruption.

2. From Breakout to Setback

A year ago, Miller was one of the brightest emerging arms in the American League. In 2024, he ranked among league leaders with a 2.94 ERA across 31 starts, logging more than 180 innings while helping Seattle contend deep into September. His ability to throw strikes and limit hard contact made him a cornerstone of the Mariners’ pitching identity. The 2025 season, however, was a stark contrast. His ERA ballooned to 5.68, and his innings were cut in half as the elbow injury forced multiple absences. What began as a promising follow-up campaign turned into a battle for consistency and health. Yet, when the postseason arrived, Miller showed glimpses of the pitcher he had been. Over three playoff starts, he posted a 1.88 ERA, giving Seattle a steady presence during its deep run. “It felt really good,” he said. “Just to end on a positive note, personally, is good after how up and down the year was for me.” Those performances reminded both Miller and the Mariners of his potential when fully healthy — a reminder that will guide their approach this winter.

3. Building for 2026 and Beyond

With the offseason underway, the Mariners face key questions about how to strengthen their roster while managing the development of young players like Miller. Seattle’s rotation remains one of its core strengths, anchored by George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, but the club’s depth will depend on Miller’s availability. If he returns to form, the Mariners could enter next season with one of the most complete pitching staffs in the American League. His ability to provide quality innings could ease pressure on both the bullpen and younger arms still adjusting to the majors. Off the mound, the organization is expected to explore offensive upgrades, but internally, ensuring Miller’s health remains a top priority. The team has emphasized a cautious yet proactive approach, giving him time to strengthen his arm before the rigors of a full season. For now, Miller’s mindset is clear: get healthy, stay consistent, and help Seattle finish what it started this year. His resilience will be as vital to the Mariners’ hopes as any offseason acquisition.