Mariners bullpen crisis: The solution could be found in-house in the Minor Leagues

The 2024 Mariners are currently facing a challenging period with 59 games left. JP Crawford and Julio Rodriguez, key players, are on the 10-day injured list and are expected to be out for longer than the minimum period. The team has also made the tough decision to remove former American League All-Star, Ty France, from the roster.

To add to these difficulties, the bullpen, a hallmark of this team, is currently struggling. The urgency of the situation is clear. The question arises: Is it time to make significant changes at this trade deadline? The answer to that question is not clear. However, one thing is certain. The Mariners should consider holding onto and possibly promoting their 22nd-ranked prospect, Troy Taylor, as a potential solution to the bullpen crisis. 

The Mariners selected Taylor in the 2022 Major League Baseball draft, recognizing his potential. Taylor's journey is a testament to his adaptability. Initially a position player like Ty Adcock, Taylor's development hit a roadblock. However, he didn't give up. Instead, he made a remarkable transition to the mound late in his college career. This adaptability was a turning point in Taylor’s career. His senior season was the catalyst as he went from being a possible minor league depth piece to an intriguing high-leverage reliever, thanks to a Big West Conference leading 11.3 strikeouts per nine rate. 

Taylor is a high-leverage reliever armed with a high 90s fastball and a devasting 55 grade slider that is wiping out the Texas League competition (.145 BAA). The counting stats aren’t anything to write home about, especially the 13 free passes in 37 1/3 innings. But the spin on the slider and the late life on the heater is elite. 

The 23-year-old flame thrower has made significant strides in the past calendar year, particularly in controlling his walks. His potential was further demonstrated in the Arizona Fall League, where he had an eye-opening experience. In a small sample size against some of the game’s most talented prospects, Taylor shone, racking up 12 strikeouts in 10 innings. This experience has been a springboard for Taylor’s ascent through the system, and there is a strong sense of hope that he will soon join the big-league club for the stretch run.