Mariners' experiment with switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje hits a frustrating snag

The Seattle Mariners’ 2024 MLB draft class was one of the most unique groups in recent memory. A two-way player that can both catch and throw 98 that got comparisons to Evan Gattis, along with a switch-pitcher stole the headlines of the crop.

It is the latter experiment with switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje that has been one of the most fascinating developments of the 2025 season. A unique ambidextrous talent, Cijntje has shown legitimate upside, especially when pitching from the right side.

Against right-handed hitters as a right-handed pitcher, he’s been dominant, holding them to a minuscule .129/.229/.258 slash line. Even left-handed hitters haven’t had much more success, hitting just .125/.300/.313 against his right-handed delivery.

Cijntje's stuff from that side is electric — his fastball sits 97–99 mph with good carry, and he mixes in sharp off-speed offerings that keep hitters off balance. When he’s right-handed, he looks like a real weapon. Against 55 plate appearances from the right side, he has 17 strikeouts and just six walks compared to just five strikeouts and 10 walks from the left side.

Jerry Dipoto faces tough decision regarding top Mariners pitching prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje and his switch-pitching ability

But the left-handed version of Cijntje tells a different story. The velocity drops noticeably, his command becomes inconsistent, and the results have been rough.

Left-handed hitters are slashing .375/.688/.875 off his left-handed stuff — getting on base nearly 70 percent of the time. Even more alarming, righties are obliterating him from the left side, slashing .429/.556/1.000. The diminished velocity and lack of bite on his breaking pitches make his left-handed delivery far less effective and opposing lineups have clearly picked up on it.

While the novelty of a switch-pitcher brings intrigue, results ultimately drive decisions. Cijntje has been so much better from the right side that it raises a tough question for Seattle: how much longer can they let him continue to pitch from both sides?

It may be time for the Mariners to consider limiting him to his stronger arm, at least until he can make the left-handed side more competitive. His right-handed profile alone is good enough to profile as a legit middle of the rotation arm, while the left side looks more like a middling lefty-on-lefty bullpen option.

Cijntje remains a unique talent, and there’s value in developing both sides if the team believes in his long-term potential. But right now, it’s clear where his strengths lie. For a Mariners team with playoff aspirations, they can’t afford to let the experiment cost them meaningful innings.