3 under-the-radar Mariners to follow in Spring Training

Under-the-radar Mariner #3 RHP Emerson Hancock

Healthy and ready to take on Spring Training, Emerson Hancock is another interesting prospect to follow this spring. Hancock is looking to showcase his pitching skills ahead of the 2024 season. He made just three major league starts last year, due to a shoulder injury back in August which sidelined him for the rest of 2023. Now that Hancock has recovered from a right shoulder strain, he is up and throwing again, with a chance to be a part of the Mariners rotation or even be a relief option out of the bullpen.

Hancock was the Mariners first pick in the 2020 MLB Draft at sixth overall out of the University of Georgia. He had a solid 2023 season in AA Arkansas prior to his call-up to the big leagues. Posting a 4.32 ERA and an (11-5) record for the Arkansas Travelers along with 107 SO in 98 IP. Hancock is capable of being a starter for the Mariners and how they decide to use him in Spring Training is going to be intriguing.

The Mariners certainly will want to be careful with Hancock, given his injury history. What roles they decide to use him this year are still up in the air. At the moment, Hancock likely slots in as the M's sixth starter coming into the season and could see long relief opportunities as well. His array of pitches make him a fascinating pitcher to follow both in Spring Training and throughout the 2024 season. Should Hancock stay healthy, he has the potential to be a force in the Mariners bullpen in 2024.