Bold claim: Seattle’s future stars might arrive before you expect—and they’re not just promising on paper. If you’re new to Mariners spring training chatter, this is the kind of development that could reshape the team’s timeline. Here’s a freshly written version that preserves the original meaning, adds a bit of context, and keeps the tone clear and accessible.
The Mariners’ farm system first drew attention for its pitchers earlier in this decade. In recent years, the spotlight has shifted toward Seattle’s hitters, but spring training has rekindled the focus on the mound with two standout arms catching the eye.
Kade Anderson, a left-hander who was the No. 3 overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, made his professional pitching debut on Saturday. He dazzled in a single inning against the San Diego Padres, striking out the side while navigating a walk and an infield single.
Ryan Sloan, a right-hander, matched that momentum in his first spring appearance on Sunday, delivering a scoreless inning with a strikeout against the Texas Rangers.
Since last year, there’s been chatter that 21-year-old Anderson, ranked No. 21 among MLB prospects by MLB Pipeline, could crack the big leagues in 2026. And now there’s rising speculation that Sloan, 20 and ranked No. 33 by MLB Pipeline, might also reach the majors this year—just two years after Seattle drafted him out of high school in the second round.
Mariners general manager Justin Hollander wouldn’t be surprised to see either pitcher contribute at the MLB level this season, but he cautions against setting expectations too high too soon.
“I don’t think it’s out of the question that those guys pitch in the big leagues this year, but I don’t want to make it sort of a self-fulfilling prophecy that they definitely are,” Hollander told Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk. “I think they’re mature enough and their stuff is good enough. Whatever happens between now and the end of the season, a number of factors could come into play. But I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t do it.”
Hollander notes that projecting pitchers to the big leagues is often easier to gauge than hitters, thanks to the availability of data that clarifies how pitches move and how they’re commanded in various scenarios—information that can offer more certainty when evaluating young arms like Anderson and Sloan.
“TrackMan data and ball-flight data help us understand not just movement but command and execution in different situations,” he said. “Those factors give pitchers, especially two players who are wired the right way in Ryan and Kade, a bit more certainty about what the big-league level might look like.”
While a 2026 MLB debut for Sloan or Anderson isn’t guaranteed to come in the early part of the season, Hollander isn’t ruling it out entirely. He emphasized that he’d be surprised if May arrives and one of them has already become a breakout figure, though he doesn’t see it as impossible.
Both pitchers earned Hollander’s praise as “super impressive,” with distinct strengths he highlighted. He cited Anderson’s athletic movement, ball hiding, intensity, and his aptitude for shifting the ball to different quadrants as standout traits—while stressing he wants him to accumulate innings and time rather than rush the process. If anything, Hollander suggested a gradual progression rather than immediate major-league service, even joking that Everett might be a better long-term stop than a quick buy-in.
Sloan, too, impressed with his maturity, focus, and off-field preparation, which Hollander described as smart and diligent, paired with excellent stuff.
If you want to hear more, you can check out the full Brock and Salk conversation with Mariners GM Justin Hollander via their podcast or on Seattle Sports.
Further reading from Seattle Mariners spring training coverage includes stories on Brendan Donovan’s clubhouse impact, potential bounce-back candidates, Cole Young’s early spring home run, hitters Kevin Seitzer is excited about, and updates on Bryce Miller’s oblique setback.
Follow the coverage from Brent Stecker for ongoing updates.
Question for readers: Do you think the Mariners should push Anderson or Sloan toward the majors this season, or should they continue to develop in the minors until they’re clearly ready? Share your take in the comments.
