Newest Mariners reliever could be just what the bullpen has been missing

The Seattle Mariners have leaned heavily on their bullpen throughout the 2025 season, largely out of necessity. With a string of injuries to the starting rotation, most notably with Logan Gilbert and Bryce Miller combining for just 20 starts with what seemed like fairly significant injuries, the pressure has fallen on the bullpen to shoulder an increased workload.

While the unit has largely held its own, it’s become clear that reinforcements are needed if the Mariners want to remain contenders in the AL West. There is the obvious option of acquiring a solid bullpen arm, but come July, relievers are expensive for the limited use you get over a half of a season.

Juan Burgos could solve the Mariners lack of bullpen depth ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

Juan Burgos has quickly emerged as one of the most intriguing relief prospects in the organization you've probably never heard of. After dominating in Double-A Arkansas and continuing that success in Triple-A Tacoma, the 23-year-old right-hander looks ready for the big leagues. His fastball sits comfortably in the mid-to-upper 90s, regularly touching 97 mph, and he pairs it with a sharp sweeper that has shown effectiveness against both righties and lefties.

Both pitches look like they could be plus pitches, and more importantly, Burgos has shown improved command throughout his career. After struggling to a 6.1 BB/9 in 2021, he cut it down to 4.8 per nine in 2023 and 3.4 per nine in 2024. In 29 minor league innings in 2025, it sits at just 2.2 per nine.

With the Mariners already relying heavily on arms like Andrés Muñoz, Gabe Speier, and even more recently, Eduard Bazardo (who surprisingly leads the bullpen in innings pitched), the addition of a fresh, power righty who has consistently worked multiple innings throughout his minor league career, could be the kind of internal boost the team needs. The bullpen has logged more innings than planned due to short starts and injuries, and some signs of fatigue have started to show. Burgos, with his strike-throwing ability and high-velocity stuff, could be a crucial addition to help balance the load and it couldn't have come at a better time.

Seattle has had a strong track record of developing and finding excellent reclamation projects at reliever in recent years, Muñoz, Matt Brash, Paul Sewald and Justin Topa are just a few examples, and Burgos could be the next homegrown name to join that list. As the Mariners eye a playoff push, calling up Burgos could be both a long-term investment and a short-term solution to a one of the more underrated needs of this team.