Seattle Mariners
· 2026-06-28
The Seattle Mariners are considering an innovative plan to utilize their top pitching prospects, Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan, in the bullpen for the final stretch of the season.
The Mariners have a 42-42 record and are currently 3rd in the American League, having lost their last game 4-3 to the Cleveland Guardians on June 27.
The team has been experimenting with different rotation approaches, including piggyback outings and a six-man rotation.
Anderson and Sloan are two of the best starting pitching prospects in baseball, with Anderson ranked 6th and Sloan ranked 19th in the MLB Pipeline top 100.
Both pitchers are currently with the Double-A Arkansas Travelers, with Sloan having a 4.11 ERA and Anderson posting a 1.22 ERA this season.
If the Mariners bring up Sloan and Anderson to the bullpen, it could give them a significant advantage in pitching, especially if they make the playoffs.
The team would have a bullpen that includes Anderson, Sloan, Gabe Speier, Jose A. Ferrer, Matt Brash, Eduard Bazardo, and Andres Munoz.
However, there is a risk of injury to Sloan or Anderson, which could hinder their development as starters.
The organization would need to weigh the potential benefits against the risks and make a decision that's best for the team and the players.
The Mariners' front office has already stated that they haven't ruled out making Sloan and Anderson's major league debut at some point this season.
And with the team's current standing, they may be considering all options to gain an edge.
But for now, the focus is on the final stretch of the season and how to utilize their top pitching prospects to achieve success.