​The Mariners have been advised to “go back to the well” with another college arm, a point highlighted after their strong postseason showing last year. Entering Friday, Seattle sits in second place in the American League West, just a half-game behind the Texas Rangers, and momentum remains on their side as they eye a deep run once more. Yet, before they can enjoy a vacation break for the All-Star festivities, they face a challenging stretch, beginning with a series against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays. While attention is focused on toppling the Rays, the front office is already charting the next steps for the MLB Draft, where Seattle has the No. 24 overall pick.
One element that distinguishes the Mariners is the strength of their starting rotation, a unit that didn’t happen by accident. Several key contributors were drafted by Seattle years earlier, a testament to the organization’s drafting acumen. In a three-year span, Seattle drafted Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock in the first round, and all three have evolved into core members of the rotation. Given that track record, it wouldn’t be surprising if the club returns to the same well and targets another college arm at No. 24. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer frames it this way: the Mariners currently boast six functional starting pitchers, with five of them—Gilbert, Kirby, Bryce Miller, Bryan Woo, and Emerson Hancock—being products of college-drafted development. And with Kade Anderson looming on the horizon, Seattle’s depth is impressive. General Manager Jerry Dipoto may opt to lean into this approach again, especially since the club doesn’t pick again until No. 65 after this selection.
Among the potential targets, Liberty University right-hander Ben Blair stands out. Blair’s delivery and lower-release point resemble recent Mariners pitching successes such as Bryan Woo and Bryce Miller, suggesting he could be on the radar when Seattle’s turn comes at the clock. The pick options at No. 24 are said to include viable college arms, giving the Mariners a plausible path to further fortify a rotation that has already benefited from a well-timed blend of homegrown and drafted talent. As drafting strategy goes, Seattle’s formula—prioritizing college arms with a proven track record of development—aligns with the notion of “going back to the well” to sustain a competitive edge for a team aiming to recreate its recent, postseason-caliber performance. The organization’s approach to the draft, the potential choices at No. 24, and the ongoing evaluation of college arms will be critical as Seattle navigates what could be another pivotal offseason for maintaining a high-caliber pitching staff.