Number two Mariners’ prospect, Kade Anderson, has been lights out to start the season.
In five games started at Double-A, Anderson holds an ERA of 0.37 and a WHIP of 0.70. In his latest outing, the southpaw rendered his opponents’ bats useless for 5.2 innings of no-run ball with eight strikeouts.
Kade Anderson Can’t Stop Mowing Down Minor League Hitters
Anderson, 21, was the Mariners first-round selection in the 2025 MLB draft, and he’s already making waves in professional baseball. At an astounding three and a half years below the average age in Double-A, the Louisiana State University product looks primed for big league stardom.
After being a part of the 2025 LSU College World Series team, Anderson rode his momentum directly into the minor leagues. In his last season as a LSU Tiger, he held a 3.18 ERA in 119 innings while striking out 13.6 batters per nine. Somehow, his K numbers have JUMPED in the minors to 14.1. Even in a small sample size, his rapid development has been impressive.
Scouts Have Always Been High on Anderson
Scouts deemed Anderson a near ‘can’t-miss’ prospect. He landed at number 17 overall in MLB Pipeline’s league-wide rankings. His best pitch, a devastating fastball, earned a 60-grade. The heater that touches triple digits is accompanied by a 60-grade changeup, with the rest of his arsenal at a respectable 55-grade. It’s uncommon to see such a young pitcher with so many established looks.
One of the rarest things about Anderson’s game is his uncanny knack for control. In his latest start, over 75% of his pitches landed in the zone. For a left-hander who owns upper-echelon velocity, that’s unheard of.
Other left-handed pitching prospects like Noah Schultz (CHI #2) and Thomas White (MIA #1) have the elite stuff but have struggled with ball four. Although it’s early, Anderson has proven he’s unafraid to challenge pro hitters with his more than SEC-caliber stuff. With the current trend of prospects inking long-term deals, Anderson picked just the right time to start his ascension.
The Mariners Might Need to Make Room Sooner Than Expected
As of today, the Mariner rotation is listed as Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, Bryan Woo, Emerson Hancock, and Luis Castillo.
With the emergence of Hancock, suddenly, the veteran Castillo is on the chopping block.
Hancock has pitched to a 2.59 ERA in 41.2 innings thus far with great underlying metrics. Castillo has struggled mightily, posting a 6.29 ERA through his first seven starts. Even with the struggles of their number five starter and bullpen, pitching remains Seattle’s strength. Anderson knocking on the door could be motivation for the Mariners front office to make a tough decision.
Trading Castillo now would be selling low for Seattle. His ceiling as a starter was one of the best right-handers in baseball, which makes the decision all the more difficult.
An alternative option would be to deal one of the other reliable arms in the Mariner starting five. Retaining a bat to replenish the offense is looking like more of a necessity by the day in Seattle.
Whatever direction the M’s decide to pursue, Anderson has given Seattle the best problem to have in baseball: too much pitching.
Mariners Prospect Kade Anderson Is Forcing Seattle’s Hand