Dane Dunning: Everything you need to know

The Mariners signed Dunning to a minor-league contract Thursday, Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com reports. Dunning had to settle for a minor-league deal after posting a 6.97 ERA and 21:7 K:BB over 20.2 innings between Texas and Atlanta in 2025. The 31-year-old could be useful swingman depth for Seattle at Triple-A Tacoma.

Dunning elected to become a free agent Thursday, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports. After being removed from Atlanta's 40-man roster, Dunning has exercised his right to free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment. The 30-year-old swingman has managed just a 5.60 ERA over 15 starts and 23 relief appearances at the big-league level since 2024.

Dunning cleared waivers Wednesday and was outrighted to Triple-A Gwinnett. Dunning pitched 10 innings for Atlanta after joining the organization in July, during which he surrendered 12 earned runs while striking out 11 batters and walking two. The 30-year-old will have the option to elect free agency, though his recent performance may cause him to struggle to attract more than a minor-league contract.