Rejoice, Seattle. Kade Anderson is on his way.
The Mariners are calling up left-handed pitching prospect Kade Anderson from Double-A, sources told ESPN's Jeff Passan. Anderson will make his MLB debut Saturday against the Chicago Cubs at T-Mobile Park.
The 22-year-old, selected third overall by the Mariners out of LSU last year, is baseball's top pitching prospect and ranks No. 5 overall, per MLB.com.
Anderson will reach the majors after pitching at just one minor-league level during his first professional season. He's been utterly dominant for Double-A Arkansas, going 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA and 0.64 WHIP along with 135 strikeouts and just 13 walks across 18 starts. Anderson's given up only 47 hits and and four home runs in his 93 1/3 innings.
The Louisiana native won the 2025 College World Series MVP after leading LSU to a CWS title.
Unless the Mariners decide to piggyback Anderson during his first taste of the majors, his promotion will presumably bump one of the Mariners' veteran starters to the bullpen. Bryan Woo is currently listed as Seattle's starter for Saturday's game. Bryce Miller, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Emerson Hancock round out the team's present rotation.
Starting pitching has once again been a strength for the Mariners this year, although their rotation hasn't been quite as good as many expected. However, their depth has been important during what's been a disappointing year overall. The team kept the core of its staff intact while also dealing Luis Castillo to the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline.
Last season, the Mariners reached the ALCS for the first time since 2001, but they've slumped to 60-68 so far in 2026. After Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Brewers, they sit three games out of a playoff spot with five teams ahead of them.
