Seattle Mariners fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of Kade Anderson, the No. 3 pick from last year’s draft. While he hasn’t yet thrown a professional pitch, the buzz around his live bullpen sessions in Peoria is undeniable.
Anderson’s sessions have drawn crowds and applause, a rare feat for someone yet to make their major league debut. His performances during live batting practice have Mariners fans excited, and for good reason.
Anderson isn’t just facing any hitters; he’s striking out top talent like Randy Arozarena, Dominic Canzone, Cal Raleigh, and Julio Rodríguez. With a fastball clocking in at 93-94 mph, he’s making a strong impression.
Beyond his skills on the mound, Anderson’s candidness with the media is winning over fans. He’s straightforward about his goals: “Personally, I'm just here to strike out batters,” he told MLB.com. His no-nonsense approach and competitive spirit are refreshing and add to the excitement surrounding his potential.
The Mariners were fortunate to snag Anderson with the No. 3 pick, especially after a dominant season at LSU that had him in contention for the top spot. When both the Nationals and Angels passed on him, Seattle couldn’t believe their luck.
While Anderson has yet to officially pitch in a game, he’s already shown dedication by following Seattle’s development plan, adding muscle and maintaining his competitive edge. Ranked as MLB Pipeline’s No. 21 prospect, Anderson has all the makings of a future ace and a fan favorite.
Mariners fans can look forward to seeing how this promising talent will impact the team, as Anderson continues to build anticipation with every pitch he throws in practice.