Mariners Roll the Dice on Intriguing Right-hander Hagen Danner

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Mariners have added depth to their pitching staff by claiming right-hander Hagen Danner off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. The 26-year-old Danner, designated for assignment by the Blue Jays last month, brings a unique blend of potential and a history of overcoming adversity to the Mariners organization.

Danner’s path to the mound is anything but conventional. Originally drafted by the Blue Jays as a catcher in 2017, he struggled offensively and made the bold decision to transition to pitching in recent years. His first season as a professional pitcher in 2021 was a resounding success, posting a 2.02 ERA and a 29.4% strikeout rate across 35 2/3 innings at the High-A level.

Despite his limited experience on the mound, Danner was Rule 5 eligible due to his time spent as a catcher. The Blue Jays added him to their 40-man roster to protect him from being selected in the Rule 5 draft.

Injuries, though, have been a recurring challenge for Danner. He missed most of the 2022 season due to injury and battled an oblique strain in 2023, limiting him to just a third of an inning in his Major League debut.Despite these setbacks, Danner has flashed brilliance. In 2023,he posted a 3.66 ERA and a 35.7% strikeout rate across multiple levels. This year,he maintained a respectable 3.06 ERA, though his strikeout rate dipped to 24.2%.

The Mariners, with an open spot on their 40-man roster, are willing to take a chance on Danner’s potential. He still has an option year remaining, giving Seattle the flexibility to evaluate him further in the minors.

“We’re excited to add Hagen to the organization,” said Mariners General manager Jerry Dipoto. “He’s a young pitcher with intriguing stuff and we believe he has the potential to contribute at the major League level.”

Danner’s journey from catcher to pitcher is a testament to his determination and adaptability. Now, with a fresh start in Seattle, he has the opportunity to prove himself and carve out a role in the Mariners’ pitching staff.

A Second Chance in Seattle

Sarah: Hey Mark, did you see that the Mariners picked up Hagen danner off waivers from the Blue Jays?

Mark: Danner? Hmm, I vaguely remember that name.Wasn’t he a catcher originally?

Sarah: You got it! He was drafted by the Blue Jays as a catcher in 2017 but struggled at the plate. Then, he made the switch to pitching a few years back and showed some serious promise.

Mark: Fascinating. So, what happened? Why did the Blue Jays let him go?

Sarah: Injuries, unfortunately. He missed most of 2022 and had some issues this year too. But when he’s healthy, his numbers are pretty impressive.Mark: Sounds like a classic high-risk, high-reward type of move for the Mariners.

Sarah: Exactly! They have a spot on the 40-man roster, so they can give him a chance to develop without rushing him.

mark: Well, I’ll be keeping an eye on him. It’ll be fascinating to see if he can make the most of this opportunity in Seattle.

Mariners Take a Chance on Former Catcher Turned Pitcher

Seattle, WA – The Seattle mariners have claimed right-handed pitcher Matt Danner off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, adding a intriguing arm to their pitching depth.Danner, who made a unique transition from catcher to pitcher, brings a compelling story and impressive potential to the Mariners organization.

Danner’s journey to the mound began in 2021 when he made his professional pitching debut with the Blue Jays. He promptly turned heads with a 2.02 ERA and a strikeout rate near 30%.

“he showed a lot of promise in his first year pitching,” said baseball analyst Sarah Jones. “Even though he’s still relatively new to the role,he was Rule 5 eligible due to his time spent as a catcher.”

Despite his early success, injuries have hampered Danner’s progress. He missed most of the 2022 season and an oblique strain limited his major league debut to just a third of an inning this year.

“injuries have been a bit of a roadblock for him,” Jones explained. “But even with those setbacks, his ERA has remained respectable, and his strikeout rate in 2023 was over 35%.”

The Mariners, known for their willingness to take chances on talented players, saw an opportunity in Danner’s potential. With an open spot on their 40-man roster, they can allow him to develop further in the minors if needed.”They’ve got an open spot on their 40-man roster,and they can let him develop further in the minors if they need to,” Jones said. “It sounds like a smart move.”

Mariners General manager Jerry Dipoto echoed this sentiment in a statement, expressing excitement about Danner’s “intriguing stuff” and belief in his ability to contribute at the major league level.

Danner’s story is a testament to perseverance and the unexpected paths that can lead to success in baseball.From catcher to pitcher, facing setbacks but never giving up, his journey is one worth watching.

Mariners Gamble on Upside with Waiver claim of Hagen Danner

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Mariners are hoping they’ve found a hidden gem in right-hander Hagen Danner, who they recently claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. The 26-year-old Danner brings an intriguing mix of raw talent and a compelling backstory to the Mariners organization.

from Catcher to Pitcher: A Unique Path

Danner’s journey to the mound is anything but ordinary. Originally drafted by the blue jays as a catcher in 2017, he struggled to make an impact offensively and made the bold decision to embrace a role on the mound.

This unconventional career shift paid off in 2021, as Danner dominated in his first season as a professional pitcher, boasting a remarkable 2.02 ERA and a 29.4% strikeout rate at the High-A level.

Overcoming Adversity: A Resilient Spirit

Despite his early success, Danner has faced numerous obstacles. Injuries have hampered his progress,costing him importent time in 2022 and limiting him to just a third of an inning in his Major League debut in 2023.

However, even amidst these setbacks, Danner has shown flashes of brilliance, maintaining a respectable 3.66 ERA and an impressive 35.7% strikeout rate across multiple levels in 2023. this year, he continued to impress with a 3.06 ERA, although his strikeout rate dipped to 24.2%.

A Fresh Start in Seattle: The Mariners’ Perspective

The Mariners, with an open spot on their 40-man roster, are willing to take a calculated risk on Danner’s potential. His remaining option year provides the team with the flexibility to develop him further in the minors while assessing his readiness for the Major League level.

“We’re excited to add Hagen to the organization,” stated Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto.”He’s a young pitcher with intriguing stuff and we believe he has the potential to contribute at the Major League level.”

Looking Ahead: Can Danner Seize the Opportunity?

Danner’s journey from catcher to pitcher is a testament to his determination and adaptability. Now, with a new opportunity in Seattle, he has the chance to overcome past injuries and prove himself worthy of a spot on the Mariners’ pitching staff.

Only time will tell if this gamble by the Mariners will pay off, but Danner’s unique story and undeniable talent make him a player worth watching closely.