Mariners Announce Randy Johnson News Amid MLB Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Nov 20, 2025 2:26 PM ET

Legendary left-hander Randy Johnson had one of the greatest pitching careers of all time. In his 22-year MLB career, which spanned six franchises, Johnson had a record of 303-166 in 618 appearances, as he had a 3.29 ERA and struck out 4,875 batters, which is the second-most all-time.

Johnson made 10 All-Star appearances, won four ERA titles, five Cy Young Awards and a World Series MVP in 2001. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2015.

"The Big Unit," as he was affectionately called by baseball fans, stood at 6-foot-10 and played 10 seasons with the Seattle Mariners and eight years with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Former Seattle Mariners pitcher Randy Johnson.© RVR Photos-Imagn Images

His 10 years with the Mariners were incredible. He played with Seattle from 1989 to 1998, and he made 274 appearances with a 130-74 record. He had a 3.42 ERA in those years, striking out 2,162 batters with 884 walks.

On Thursday, the Mariners announced on the team's X account that they will retire his No. 51 next season.

"Honoring The Big Unit Mark those calendars – we’ll retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 on May 2, 2026! #Mariners50," the caption read.

Honoring The Big Unit

Mark those calendars – we’ll retire Randy Johnson’s No. 51 on May 2, 2026! #Mariners50

https://t.co/OlXRcRFQyY pic.twitter.com/VnZA72V0Qd
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) November 20, 2025

This will be the second time in as many years Seattle will retire the No. 51. The Mariners retired the number for Ichiro Suzuki, who also wore it, on Aug. 9.

This is also the second team that will retire No. 51 for Johnson after the Diamondbacks hung his jersey in 2015.

While Johnson hasn't been in the Mariners organization for over two decades, this announcement is something Seattle fans will love.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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