Mariners' latest signing proves desperate search for bullpen help isn't over

There's been plenty to keep Seattle Mariners fans occupied lately, whether it be the dismal 2-7 road trip, bouncing back with a home series win against the Athletics, or Cal Raleigh setting the record for most home runs in a season by a catcher. As such, those same fans could be forgiven for not really paying attention to the signing of reliever Luke Jackson to a minor league deal.

The signing was confirmed on Jackson's MLB.com profile page in the transaction section, with him subsequently being assigned to Triple-A Tacoma. In some respects, this feels similar to the recent addition of Michael Fulmer, bringing to mind once more how Jerry Dipoto and company whiffed on nabbing a late-inning reliever at the trade deadline.

This obviously leads to wondering if Jackson can actually help the Mariners, as they look to improve the quality and depth of their bullpen. Certainly he's had some highlights during his baseball career, including being a first-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers back in 2010 and winning a World Series ring with the Atlanta Braves in 2021.

However, 2021 proved to be the peak of Jackson's career in the majors, with it also representing the most productive season of his time in the big leagues. He had career-bests of a 2.3 WAR, 1.98 ERA and 71 appearances, as well as a 3.66 FIP and 1.162 WHIP.

An average Major League career for Luke Jackson

The reality though is that as much as the just-turned 34-year-old has had his moments and some solid years, his career at the Major League level has been underwhelming. He has pitched 398.0 combined innings in 380 appearances over 10 years, producing a 4.27 ERA, 4.04 FIP and 1.455 WHIP, ultimately resulting in just a 1.8 WAR.

Ahead of the 2025 season, Jackson agreed to a reunion with the Rangers and signed a $1.5 million deal, but was released by them in late July. He quickly signed with the Detroit Tigers, but didn't last long there and now finds himself with the Mariners, trying to prove (again) there's still some life left in the old dog.

There's plenty of pressure on the Fort Lauderdale, Florida native, with him having produced a -0.6 WAR, 4.54 ERA, 4.98 FIP and 1.487 WHIP in 39.2 combined innings for the Rangers and Tigers this year. His Baseball Savant page doesn't give much cause for optimism either, save for ranking in the 89th percentile for GB% and 84th percentile in Extension.

Jackson didn't get off to the best of starts in his debut for the Tacoma Rainiers, allowing four hits and two earned runs in 1.0 innings, but we'll at least give him a chance to get acclimated. If he does happen to get called up by the Mariners, at least the financial compensation is minimal, with him being owed just a prorated minimum salary.