The Seattle Mariners announced on March 30 that top pitching prospects Kade Anderson and Ryan Sloan will begin the regular season together at Double-A Arkansas. This move follows strong performances from both players during Spring Training, according to the organization.
The decision is notable because it marks a significant step for each pitcher. Anderson, who was selected No. 3 overall in last year’s Major League Baseball Draft, will make his professional debut outside of Cactus League play after being sidelined for the remainder of last year. Sloan, drafted in the second round in 2024, is being promoted after finishing last season with three starts at High-A Everett.
Anderson is currently ranked as the Mariners’ No. 2 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 19 overall, while Sloan holds the No. 3 spot within the organization and is ranked No. 31 by MLB Pipeline.
Initially, plans had called for both pitchers to start this year at Everett, but their performance during Spring Training prompted a change in course. The team also cited more favorable weather conditions in Arkansas compared to the Pacific Northwest as a factor in their decision.
Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto said that Anderson and Sloan are on a similar path as Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo were in 2023—both pitchers who joined Seattle’s major league rotation by June following injuries to other starters.
Sloan reflected on his experience pitching alongside big leaguers during camp: “It kind of just allowed me to realize that I belong there,” he said. “My stuff is good enough. I have a good head on my shoulders… So it just gave me a lot of confidence.”
Logan Gilbert commented on how well Anderson and Sloan have integrated into the team environment: “The cool thing with those two already is how mature [they are] and their sense of belonging — and not in an inflated way,” Gilbert said.
Both prospects made positive impressions during Spring Training games and bullpen sessions against established hitters. While neither player has yet appeared in Major League games, club officials did not rule out possible call-ups later this season if circumstances allow.
