Seattle Mariners Top Ten Starting Pitchers in Franchise History

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6. Erik Hanson

Erik Hanson was drafted in the second round of the 1986 draft by the Seattle Mariners. He is easily one of the most underrated pitchers in Mariners history.  The 6-foot-6 righty is remembered for having one of the most devastating curveballs in Mariners history.

Erik compiled 56 wins and 54 losses in 6 years and 967.1 innings with the Mariners.  He had a 3.69 ERA and a 1.276 WHIP with a 2.60 strikeout to walk ratio.   He achieved a 16.9 pitchers WAR and 3.25 FIP during his Mariners career.  He pitched 21 complete games and 3 shutouts.

Erik Hanson’s 1990 season for the Mariners was one of the best seasons he ever had in the Majors.  He had 18 wins and 9 losses.  He earned a 3.24 ERA and a 1.157 WHIP with a 3.10 strikeout to walk ratio including a 2.74 FIP.  He had an amazing season, yet he was not on the All-Star team and did not receive any votes for Cy Young.  He did, however, become the opening day starter in 1991 for the Mariners.

Erik Hanson’s Mariners all-time rankings might surprise you.  Here’s where he begins to show his true colors.  He ranks seventh in pitchers WAR and strikeouts, fourth in ERA, and sixth in WHIP while being eighth in total innings pitched and 10th in games started.  He also ranks third in strikeout to walk ratio and second in FIP all-time for the Mariners.

Erik went on to pitch for three other Major League teams in 11 different seasons in the MLB.  After he retired he turned to golfing for recreation like most former players.  But, he’s taken it a step further.  He hopes to play in the PGA someday.  For now, he’s winning golf tournaments as an amateur.

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