The Mariners' recent draft has injected fresh talent into their organization, with Kade Anderson grabbing headlines during his first spring training. But let's not overlook another promising arm in their ranks: Griffin Hugus.
Hugus, picked in the third round at 91st overall from the University of Miami, might just be the Mariners' most underrated pitching prospect. His college stats don't scream superstar-he posted a 4.70 ERA over 147.1 innings, transitioning from Cincinnati to Miami, and moving from the bullpen to starting rotation in 2025. Despite this, his potential is evident.
His fastball, sitting in the low-90s and occasionally touching mid-90s, effectively evades bats. His slider and curveball are solid, though they could use some polishing, and his changeup is an underutilized weapon. Together, these pitches lay a promising groundwork for a young starter.
Eric Longenhagen described Hugus as a "low-hanging fruit dev project," highlighting his strong build, smooth delivery, and natural pitch movement. While Miami's pitching development hasn't maximized his potential, Seattle's program could be the perfect fit to refine his skills, much like they've done with later picks Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo.
Hugus joins a Mariners farm system brimming with pitching talent, with the spotlight currently on Anderson and Ryan Sloan. Yet, Hugus' untapped potential is what makes him an exciting prospect.
Seattle's commitment to nurturing new talent means Hugus has a real shot at making his mark. He's not the finished article yet, but he's definitely bringing something valuable to the Mariners' table.