Mariners whiffed on a chance to draft the breakout pitcher of 2025 MLB playoffs

On Sunday, the MLB world was introduced to Toronto Blue Jays rookie starting pitcher Trey Yesavage as he performed brilliantly on the sport's biggest stage against the New York Yankees.

In 5.1 innings, he allowed 0 hits, 0 runs and struck out 11 batters. The 22-year-old had made just three starts in his career, and nobody could have seen his ace-level performance against the Yankees coming. He dominated, becoming the second-youngest pitcher ever to post a double-digit strikeout game in the postseason.

While most of the MLB world was simply impressed and awestruck over the talent of Yesavage, the Seattle Mariners might have been hit with a different feeling: regret.

The Mariners passed on Trey Yesavage, who is already a budding MLB star

Seattle had an opportunity to draft Yesavage with the No. 15 pick in the 2024 draft, and mocks at MLB.com and FanGraphs even had them doing exactly that. Instead, the Mariners passed and chose Jurrangelo Cijntje.

This is not a knock on Cijntje. The switch-pitcher has not been given an opportunity in the big leagues yet, and it's possible that when he does make it to the Seattle roster, he will be just as good, if not better, than Yesavage. We have no way of knowing what he will turn into.

However, it's clear which pitcher is better in 2025. Yesavage progressed through the minor leagues quickly. He and Cijntje both began the season in A-ball. Cijntje finished in double-A, while Yesavage is starting postseason baseball games.

The worst part is, the Mariners could use another starter with Bryan Woo currently unable to lead the rotation. It's still unclear who will start Game 4 of the ALDS. At the moment, it looks like it would either by Luis Castillo on short rest, or Bryce Miller, who has struggled all year long. It would be nice to have Yesavage, who is clearly MLB-ready despite his limited experience.

Only time will tell, and we should hope Cijntje proves this article wrong, but for now, it looks Seattle made a mistake choosing him over Yesavage.