Seattle Mariners
· 2026-07-13
The Seattle Mariners selected right-handed pitcher Mason Eckelman in the 2026 MLB Draft, adding a power arm to their farm system. The club sits 6th in the American League with a 48-49 record after a 2-8 win over the Tampa Bay Rays on July 12.
Eckelman, a 21-year-old out of the University of San Diego, throws a fastball that sits 94-96 mph and touches 98. He also mixes a sharp slider and a developing changeup. Scouts praise his command and competitive edge on the mound.
In his junior season, Eckelman posted a 3.42 ERA over 92 innings with 98 strikeouts and just 28 walks. He held opposing batters to a .224 average. His consistent performance made him a target for the Mariners' scouting department.
The Mariners have built their MLB success on elite pitching. General manager Justin Hollander said the team saw Eckelman as a high-floor arm with room to grow. "He attacks the zone and has three pitches that can miss bats," Hollander said.
Seattle's system already features top arms like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby at the big-league level. Eckelman projects as a potential mid-rotation starter or a high-leverage reliever down the line.
The Mariners are 48-49 and fighting for a playoff spot. Adding a polished college arm like Eckelman gives the system depth for the future. He could move quickly through the minors if his command holds.
Seattle's front office prioritized college pitchers in this draft. They believe Eckelman's experience against top competition will shorten his development time. The team expects him to report to Single-A Modesto for the start of his pro career.
Eckelman will sign his contract and join the Mariners' Arizona Complex League team for a few weeks before heading to Modesto. He'll work with the organization's pitching coordinators to refine his mechanics and pitch usage.
The Mariners hope he can reach Double-A by the end of 2027. If his stuff continues to tick up, he could debut in Seattle by 2029. For now, the focus is on building a foundation in the minors.