Ryan Sloan, a right-handed pitcher for the Seattle Mariners, delivered a standout performance on March 20 during MLB’s Spring Breakout event in Peoria, Arizona. Facing a lineup from the Milwaukee Brewers that included several top-ranked prospects, Sloan retired all nine batters he faced over three innings, striking out three and throwing just 39 pitches.
Sloan said his approach was to remain focused regardless of the environment. “I kind of just went into it with the mindset of, ‘I’m not going to let the environment dictate my process,'” Sloan said. “I did that my first Spring Training game and kind of stuck with that. I think it kind of keeps me in control, keeps me slowed down, keeps me with what I know works.”
The outing was notable for both its efficiency and effectiveness. Sloan struck out Jett Williams with a 96.5 mph sinker and later used his four-seam fastball to strike out Luis Lara at 97.5 mph. His final strikeout came on a slider to Brock Wilken in a full count situation. The Mariners have emphasized their focus on pitching control as part of their organizational philosophy.
Trent Blank, Mariners director of pitching strategy, commented on Sloan’s development: “We’re going to challenge him,” Blank said recently. “He wants to be challenged, but we’re going to challenge him to, I guess, take that execution a little step further — not just control, but see if we can find some command. I think he’s going to exceed expectations, because that’s what he’s done for us every single day.” Blank also noted Sloan’s ability to throw strikes with both his fastballs and secondary pitches.
The Brewers’ lineup featured four players ranked within MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects: Jesús Made (No. 3), Luis Peña (No. 26), Williams (No. 51), and Cooper Pratt (No. 64). Of the six balls put in play against Sloan for outs, only one was hard-hit—a groundout by Pratt measured at nearly 96 mph.
Sloan is currently ranked as the Mariners’ No. 3 prospect and No. 33 overall by MLB Pipeline after making his first big league camp this spring at age 20—less than two years removed from high school classes.
Looking ahead, the Mariners have not yet announced which Minor League affiliate Sloan will join for the regular season; Double-A Arkansas or High-A Everett are possible destinations based on his recent assignments and progress.
