Mariners' Top Pitching Prospect Impressing in Spring Training

Kade Anderson, the 3rd overall pick in 2025, is expected to advance quickly through the minors.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Kade Anderson, the Seattle Mariners' top pitching prospect, has impressed early in Spring Training according to reports. The left-hander, who was drafted 3rd overall last year, is yet to make his professional debut but is already receiving rave reviews following his performance in live BP against some of the Mariners' starters. Anderson is likely to begin the 2026 season in High-A, but the Mariners' front office believes he won't spend much time in the upper minors before potentially making his MLB debut later this year.

Why it matters

The Mariners have one of the best starting rotations in baseball, so Anderson will need to prove himself quickly to earn a spot on the big-league club. His rapid development could provide a boost to the Mariners' pitching depth and future outlook.

The details

Anderson has yet to make his professional debut since being drafted 3rd overall in 2025, but he has already impressed the Mariners' coaching staff with his performance in live batting practice sessions against the team's regular starters. The left-hander is the Mariners' top pitching prospect according to MLB Pipeline, and the team's front office believes he has the potential to advance quickly through the minor league system.

  • Anderson was drafted 3rd overall by the Mariners in 2025.

The players

Kade Anderson

The Mariners' top pitching prospect who was drafted 3rd overall in 2025.

Jerry Dipoto

The Mariners' president of baseball operations.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Anderson has impressed early in Spring Training, per Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times, and is expected to advance quickly through the Mariners' system.”

— Rotowire Staff (cbssports.com)

“Anderson still has a lot to prove, though it certainly seems plausible that he could push to make his MLB debut sometime in 2026.”

— Rotowire Staff (cbssports.com)

What’s next

Anderson is likely to begin the 2026 season in High-A, but the Mariners' front office believes he won't spend much time in the upper minors before potentially making his MLB debut later this year.

The takeaway

The Mariners' top pitching prospect, Kade Anderson, has impressed early in Spring Training and is expected to advance quickly through the minor league system. His rapid development could provide a boost to the Mariners' already strong pitching rotation in the near future.