Mariners' Kade Anderson: Will start when called up
Rotowire
President of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said Tuesday that Anderson will serve as a starter for the Mariners once he's eventually called up from Double-A Arkansas later this season, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports. "We're not going to put Kade in the bullpen," Dipoto said. "He's the best starting pitcher in the minor leagues."
Anderson has done his part to back up Dipoto's bold claim, as he's overwhelmed Texas League hitters to the tune of a 1.20 ERA, 0.66 WHIP and 119:12 K:BB in 82.1 innings through his first 16 starts in the pro ranks. Though Anderson moved up to sixth on the organizational starting pitching depth chart after Luis Castillo was traded to the White Sox over the weekend, the Mariners aren't yet ready to expand their five-man rotation to accommodate the 22-year-old lefty. Anderson is scheduled to meet with the Mariners' brass Wednesday to map out a plan for his call-up to Seattle in the coming weeks, but in the short term, he looks set to continue building innings at Double-A. The Mariners' commitment to eventually onboard Anderson as a starter down the stretch would at least enhance his fantasy utility, as his usage and opportunities to earn wins would be more predictable as a starter than if he were deployed as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen.
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Mariners' Kade Anderson: Scoreless streak to start career
Rotowire
Anderson hasn't allowed a run while striking out 17 batters in nine innings over his first two starts at Double-A Arkansas.
Anderson has allowed five hits and three walks, good for a 0.89 WHIP to go with his sterling 0.00 ERA. The top college prospect from last year's draft, Anderson was given an aggressive assignment to Double-A and has been up for the challenge. He could be big-league ready in weeks, rather than months, so if the Mariners need reinforcements from Triple-A this summer, Anderson could get the call.
Anderson is opening the season with Double-A Arkansas, Daniel Kramer of MLB.com reports.
Most of the top college arms get assigned to High-A for their first full season, so while this assignment may not be a big surprise, it is notable. Per the report, the initial plan was to assign Anderson to High-A Everett, but the calculus changed after Anderson made such a strong impression this spring. The less volatile weather conditions in Arkansas compared to the Pacific Northwest in April also factored into the decision. What makes the assignment even more notable is that the Mariners have a track record of jumping their best pitching prospects from Double-A to the majors, bypassing the Pacific Coast League. Ryan Sloan, the Mariners other premium pitching prospect, is also opening the year at Double-A.
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Mariners' Kade Anderson: Impressing early in spring
Rotowire
Anderson has impressed early in spring training and is expected to advance quickly through the Mariners system, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.
Anderson has yet to make his professional debut since being selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 First-Year Player Draft, but the left-hander is already receiving rave reviews following his performance Sunday during a live batting practice session against some Mariners regulars. Anderson is likely to begin the upcoming season with High-A Everett, though he's not expected to "spend a heck of a lot of time in the high minors," according to Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners' president of baseball operations. Seattle's rotation is one of the league's best, and while Anderson still has a lot to prove, he could have an outside chance at making his MLB debut at some point in 2026.
