In what feels like a no-brainer move, the Seattle Mariners are calling up MLB’s top pitching prospect, left-hander Kade Anderson.
The 22-year-old was drafted by the Mariners with the third overall pick just a year ago out of Louisiana State University (LSU).
Coming off of Tommy John Surgery in 2022, Anderson went to LSU and dominated, eventually going on to win the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award in 2025 for the Tigers. The same year he led Division I with 180 strikeouts.
Anderson skipped most of the organization and was sent straight to Double-A Arkansas after being drafted. His 18 game performance may be one of the greatest we have ever seen from a prospect.
Across 93 1/3 innings pitched in 18 starts, Anderson posted a 1.06 ERA with 135 strikeouts, 13 walks, a 0.64 WHIP and 10 wins.
The unbelievable stretch to start his pro career earned him a call up to the big league roster, where he is set to make his major league debut on Saturday.
The recent trend of top prospects skipping Triple-A reigns true here with Anderson.
While he will not blow hitters away with his fastball velocity (sitting around 92-94 MPH), his incredible swing-and-miss stuff will make them look silly.
He sports a four-seam fastball, slider, changeup and an occasional curveball.
His changeup is his true standout pitch. The 60 scouting grade given to the pitch before the 2026 season was no where near the caliber it would reach. The pitch sits in the mid-80s on the radar while sinking fast, generating a 48 percent miss rate with a 46 percent chase rate.
Anderson has a ton of pressure on him, as he is joining Seattle’s rotation amid a crowded Wild Card race. But the 22-year-old will undoubtedly turn heads as he shines on the mound.
He faces the National League powerhouse Chicago Cubs in his major league debut tonight.
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