Justin Hollander reveals surprise pitcher who could impact Mariners' bullpen

In recent years, the Seattle Mariners have maintained a model of consistency that has drawn both frustration and praise, depending on which side of the coin you’re looking at. While the offense has had its ups and downs, the organization’s approach to pitching development continues to be a bright spot.

The Mariners have made a habit of cultivating talent from within, and it appears that left-handed prospect Brandyn Garcia is next in line to break through to the big leagues.

Mariners GM Justin Hollander recently highlighted Garcia as another success story in what has become a long line of successful pitching prospects for the organization. Drafted in the 11th round of the 2023 MLB Draft out of Texas A&M, Garcia initially served as a reliever. However, he spent the majority of his college years at Quinnipiac University as a starter, an experience that has translated into his ability to handle extended innings. That versatility is paying dividends now, as Garcia posted an impressive 2.25 ERA with 134 strikeouts over 116 innings between High-A and Double-A Arkansas in his first professional season.

The Mariners have a well-established pattern when it comes to fast-tracking pitching prospects. If a pitcher excels in Double-A, he often leaps past Triple-A and straight into the big leagues. Garcia made his mark early, debuting in Double-A with a dominant five-inning, no-hit performance, allowing just two walks while striking out eight. Given his success, it’s no surprise Hollander believes Garcia has a legitimate shot at making the Opening Day roster if he delivers in spring training.

Is Brandyn Garcia the Mariners' next breakout bullpen weapon?

There’s plenty to love about Garcia’s profile. He’s another strike thrower, finishing ninth in groundball rate (53.4%) and 33rd in strikeout rate (27%) out of 182 qualified minor league pitchers. As a left-handed reliever with a three-quarter release point, he presents a unique challenge for opposing hitters, particularly in a Mariners bullpen that leans heavily on right-handers. However, he’s far from just a lefty specialist.

Unlike traditional platoon relievers, Garcia is effective against both left-handed and right-handed batters. His mid-90s sinker bears in on lefties, while his sweeping mid-80s slider generates an abundance of ground balls. He complements those with a high-velocity fastball and a deceptive changeup that misses a ton of barrels.

Hollander has been careful not to compare Garcia directly to former Mariners closer Paul Sewald, but he did acknowledge that Garcia has the makeup of an elite late-inning arm. If Garcia can maintain his effectiveness over longer stretches, he could fill a crucial role for the Mariners in 2025.

Seattle has experimented with multi-inning relievers in their organization before, most notably with Isaiah Campbell, but struggled to keep him fresh. Garcia, however, appears to have the durability needed for such a role. In seasons where Mariners starters often had to push for six innings to give the team a chance, a reliable bridge reliever could be invaluable. If any of the Mariners’ starters run into early trouble, Garcia has the potential to step in and stabilize the game.

With spring training here, Garcia has a golden opportunity to solidify his place on the major league roster. If he performs up to expectations, the Mariners could be looking at their next homegrown bullpen weapon — one that could make a significant impact over the long haul.