Kade Anderson Strikes Out Mariners Stars in Live BP

PEORIA, Ariz. – The back fields at the Seattle Mariners’ spring training complex witnessed a display of pitching prowess Saturday that’s quickly turning heads and raising expectations. Top pitching prospect Kade Anderson, in just his second live batting practice session of the spring, struck out three of the team’s most prominent hitters: Cal Raleigh, Julio Rodríguez, and Rob Refsnyder.

Anderson, the Mariners’ No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB Pipeline, faced a lineup that also included Brendan Donovan and Mitch Garver – all but Garver projected to be on Seattle’s Opening Day roster. The 21-year-old lefty didn’t disappoint, consistently hitting his spots and showcasing a diverse arsenal that left hitters flailing.

“Personally, I’m just here to strike out batters,” Anderson said after the session, a sentiment that clearly translates to his approach on the mound. “It doesn’t matter where I’m at. So just having that mindset of going after and attacking guys is what I’m here to do.”

Reports from the session indicate Anderson sat in the 93-94 mph range with his fastball, mixing it effectively with a curveball, slider, and changeup. The slider, in particular, appeared to be a weapon, generating swings and misses against left-handed hitters like Refsnyder. He completed two innings of work, throwing approximately 40 pitches.

The performance drew a noticeable reaction from those in attendance, with onlookers offering enthusiastic applause and even shouts of encouragement. While the Mariners are being cautious about rushing their top prospect, the buzz surrounding Anderson is undeniable.

“We’re trying to downplay it,” one staffer admitted, acknowledging the growing excitement. “But after a day like today, it’s hard to.”

The Mariners have stated they don’t intend to roll out their Opening Day rotation immediately this spring, and Anderson is not currently in the mix for a starting role out of camp. However, he is expected to make at least a few Cactus League starts before being reassigned to Minor League camp. The plan is for him to continue developing at an affiliate level throughout the regular season.

Despite the team’s measured approach, the possibility of Anderson contributing at the major league level sometime this season is becoming increasingly realistic. His rapid progress and impressive stuff are forcing observers to reconsider timelines.

Anderson’s composure and intensity on the mound were also noted. He appeared unfazed by facing established major league hitters, approaching each at-bat with a focused determination. Some have even drawn comparisons to Mariners starter George Kirby, known for his own fiery competitiveness.

“You can only control certain things as a pitcher, and walking people is one,” Anderson explained, revealing a similar mindset to Kirby. “So it really irritates me when I walk guys. I feel like I’m the type of pitcher that, I’m like a locator. I’m kind of like George in that sense. … So when that kind of stuff happens, it pisses me off.”

This spring training performance comes after Anderson was selected with the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, a pick the Mariners were fortunate to have after moving up in the draft lottery. He entered the professional ranks with a significant workload already under his belt, having thrown 119 innings for LSU last year, where he was named the College World Series MVP.

The Mariners immediately shut him down after the draft to allow for proper rest and recovery. These live batting practice sessions represent his first competitive appearances since then, and the early returns are overwhelmingly positive. The Mariners’ coaching staff and fans alike will be watching closely as Anderson continues his development this spring, eager to see how quickly he can translate his potential into major league success.