5 Mariners Pitchers to Keep an Eye on at 2023 Spring Training

Arkansas Travelers v Amarillo Sod Poodles
Arkansas Travelers v Amarillo Sod Poodles / John E. Moore III/GettyImages
1 of 3
Next

The Mariners have so many exciting young players, that I had to split them up between hitters and pitchers. This isn’t even talking about the ones that we are certain will be on the big league roster to start the year. So no mention of Gilbert, Kirby, Haggerty, Kelenic, or Julio. This is solely about the guys on the back end of the 40-man roster and the ones who received invites to Spring Training. The ones who head to Peoria look to take advantage of the playing time and competition to showcase themselves to upper management.

It’s amazing to think that the Mariners have already promoted two starting pitchers that have seen success, and they still have a loaded system full of strong arms that are getting close to seeing time at the big league level. It wouldn’t surprise to see Gilbert and Kirby move to the Mariners and then have a lull in the Minors before the next wave comes along. That’s not the case with the Mariners.

There are a bunch of players that are getting close, and with a weaker starting rotation, the Mariners would likely entertain a couple of these guys on the big league roster, even in their rotation. Unfortunately for them, there is only one spot available, and there are already two MLB veterans fighting for it. However, I still think there are plenty of pitchers for the Mariners that we should keep on eye on as Spring Training kicks off. No Emerson Hancock, as I’d rather showcase some of either the more exciting guys or lesser known guys.

Mariners 40-man Pitchers to watch

Isaiah Campbell (25 Years old - RH Reliever) is a converted starter, much like many think is going to be the case with the next guy on the list. After switching it up, Campbell found a ton of success in the bullpen in 2022. He's joined the MLB group in featuring a slider as a strong part of his arsenal and saw an incredible strikeout rate of 11.5, but 16.6 in AA in 13 innings.

Those 13 innings are the only ones Campbell has seen at AA or higher, but the expectation is still high with him to get a shot in 2023 with the Mariners. He's going to get a good look alongside Sadler and some of the other MLB relievers fighting for a spot, and a good opportunity to throw in a bunch of Spring Training games.

Prelander Berroa (22 Years old - RH Starter currently) was acquired by the Mariners in 2022 in exchange for UTIL Donovan Walton (miss that guy). Originally barely on the top 30 prospects list, Berroa has skyrocketed since coming to Seattle. He has electric stuff but massive control issues, walking more batters (63) than allowing hits (54) in his 100.2 IP in 2022.

The control is a big reason that he might turn into a reliever. With a fastball in the mid to upper 90s that can actually touch 102 and a devastating plus-plus slider that touches 90 mph, the stuff is NSFW disgusting. Harnessing that for an inning or two could be the way to success, and seeing what the Mariners do with him in ST should be telling.

Mariners NRI (Non-Roster Invitees) Pitchers to watch

Bryce Miller (24 Years old - RH Starter) although he is one of the Non-Roster Invitees this year in Peoria, Bryce Miller has been turning heads since being drafted by the Mariners in the 4th round in 2021. He's actually battling with Harry Ford for the top spot in the Mariners system, as the stuff has turned out to be that good. A 5-pitch mix where everything might be grade-50 or above makes for a tantalizing profile and is headed by a mid-to-upper 90s heater. He finished 2022 on an incredibly strong note with a 7 IP, 14 K game.

Travis Kuhn (24 Years old - RH Reliever) is someone that we've talked about a bit before, and it's why I'm including him on here this year. When someone is right about their 2022 under-the-radar breakout pitcher, you listen when they mention their selection for 2023. Big Props to our guy Curtis Christianson on that. Kuhn has good strikeout stuff but will need to limit the walks after posting a 5.3 BB/9 in 2022 in AA. So many of these young guys have control issues, and the first ones to solve them are going to lead the charge into the final Mariners spot.

Bryan Woo (23 Years old - RH Starter) was drafted a bit later in 2021 in large part to needing TJ. The 6th rounder is fully recovered now and looks great on the mound. There's no way if the draft happened again that he would go any later than the 2nd round. If he can develop the change into a 50-grade, he's going to be nasty. Already with healthy velo in the mid-90s and a strong slider with good depth, Woo is a dark horse for the final rotation spot, although I think he is a way out. He did show improved command post-TJ, so I'm excited to see if he can limit walks against better competition.

The Mariners have a lot of talented young pitchers, and the fight for either the 5th spot in the rotation or even a spot in the bullpen is going to be intense. Pitching can be a fickle game, so expect at least one of these guys (I'm predicting 4) to see time in the big leagues this year.

Next