When the Seattle Mariners acquired Eduard Bazardo just before the 2023 trade deadline, it might not have made headlines, but it was a game-changer for their journey to the American League Championship Series two years later.
Bazardo quickly became a pivotal figure in the Mariners' bullpen during the 2025 season. With a remarkable 2.52 ERA, he struck out 82 batters, leading the bullpen with 78 2/3 innings pitched, achieving a 5-0 record and securing 12 holds. His performance was nothing short of a breakout.
Mariners president of baseball operations, Jerry Dipoto, recently shared insights on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob about what drew the team to Bazardo and the adjustments that unlocked his potential.
“Eduard Bazardo was a trade deadline acquisition that flew under the radar, but internally, our team was thrilled,” Dipoto explained.
The Mariners were particularly excited about Bazardo's breaking ball spin and the potential of his fastball, which they enhanced through “seam optimization.” By altering Bazardo's grip, they added more two-seam action to his fastball.
“When Bazardo joined us, he was primarily using a four-seam fastball and a breaking ball. We adjusted his breaking ball and introduced a two-seamer,” Dipoto noted.
The two-seamer and sweeper became Bazardo's signature pitches, delivering impressive results. He allowed a league-low .151 batting average and .202 slugging percentage on his two-seamer.
His sweeper also proved effective, yielding the sixth-lowest batting average (.177) and ninth-lowest slugging percentage (.292) among MLB pitchers. His sweeper's plus-eight run value was the highest for MLB relievers, according to Baseball Savant.
“He transformed into a crucial player for us in high-leverage situations, thanks to a skill set developed over the past year and a half,” Dipoto said. “Despite not being a young prospect, his velocity increased, aided by our biomechanical programs.”
Bazardo's success wasn't just due to the Mariners' strategy; it was also his willingness to embrace change.
“Zardo was one of those players who immediately committed to the adjustments,” Dipoto shared. “… His impact on the Mariners has been profound, and it’s likely to earn him significant contracts as a key player in high-pressure moments.”
The Mariners' strategic moves and Bazardo's adaptability have indeed paid off, setting the stage for future success.