Which prospects could make a big leap for Mariners in 2025?

Brandyn Garcia, LHP

After a blistering path through the minor leagues, Brandyn Garcia is now knocking on Seattle’s door. If the rumblings about him helping out the bullpen in 2025 are correct, the southpaw could be the first 2023 draft pick to make it to the Majors. The Mariners have few left-handed relief options on the depth chart as of now, but even if he wins out just because of an open role, Garcia certainly will have done enough to have earned it.

Garcia raced through four levels in two seasons and stretched out to a starting role with High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas in 2024. He has been better in the pros than he ever was in college, producing a 2.21 ERA and a 142:40 K:BB ratio in his two professional seasons. He even earned the Jamie Moyer Co-Pitcher of the Year Award, alongside Double-A teammate Michael Morales, as the best pitcher in the Mariners’ farm system in 2024.

Garcia hammers the strike zone with a clipped, side-arm delivery that leaves batters shaking their heads. That same delivery perhaps led to an uptick in walks per nine with Arkansas. He also saw an increase in hard contact from the more seasoned batters at Double-A; his expected FIP rose to 4.14.

2025 will be the true test for Garcia. Will he be a reliever or a starter? Will he tone down the funky delivery for better repeatability? Will he actually make the jump to the bigs?

While many eyes will be on top prospects Emerson and Young — not to mention catcher Harry Ford, who feels like he’s been in the top ranks forever — as they climb the Minor League ladder. Each level, from Rookie ball to Triple-A Tacoma, boasts its own breakout candidate. If all six of these budding stars fulfill their promise, then Seattle could very well soon see a new class of young homegrown talent.