The hype train for Kade Anderson has already been here, but it's being supercharged now.
While the Seattle Mariners are a frustrating 51-52 at the major league level, they are continuing to cook at the minor league level.
The right-handed hitting Michael Arroyo is continuing to make his presence felt at Triple-A Tacoma and starting pitcher Kade Anderson is continuing to dominate at Double-A Arkansas.
Anderson, who just represented the Mariners in the MLB Futures Game, is one of the most hyped prospects in baseball right now, and that's not just among fans, but insiders as well.
Take Keith Law of The Athletic, who ranked Anderson as the new No. 1 prospect in baseball on Thursday, even ahead of Milwaukee Brewers' standout Jesus Made. Law said that Anderson would be in 27 or 28 rotations right now at the big league level, but he just hasn't found his way into a loaded M's rotation yet.
The No. 3 overall pick in the MLB Draft in 2025 out of LSU, the 22-year-old Anderson has gone 8-1 with a 1.36 ERA in 14 starts for the Arkansas Travelers. He's struck out 108 batters in 72.2 innings while walking just 10. Opponents are hitting only .160 against him.
Law says he has never ranked a pitcher as the No. 1 prospect in the sport in preseason rankings, so Anderson could be breaking new ground by the time the rankings come out in 2027.
American League pitcher Kade Anderson (32) throws a pitch against National League in the first inning at Citizens Bank Park. Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesWhen could Anderson come up to the big leagues?
Your guess is as good as mine. At the moment, the Mariners need to figure out their cluttered starting rotation. Are they trading an arm to clear it up? Are they sending someone to the bullpen, and if they do that, what does it mean for Anderson?
If the Mariners ship someone out - or move them to the 'pen - then Anderson becomes the logical fill-in should someone get injured.
However, Anderson could also slot in the bullpen himself, which would be a way to help an undermanned group out there and a way to help manage his innings down the stretch.
For reference, ESPN MLB Insider Buster Olney has said for weeks that he thinks Anderson will make his debut as a reliever.
Up next
The Mariners will play a critical four-game series against the Texas Rangers from Friday-Monday. All four games will be played in Arlington and will feature excellent pitching matchups.
Bryce Miller will take on MacKenzie Gore on Friday night, with the first pitch coming at 5:05 p.m. PT.
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Remember to join our MARINERS on ROUNDTABLE community, which is FREE! You can post your own thoughts, in text or video form, and you can engage with our Roundtable staff, as well as other Mariners fans. If prompted to download the Roundtable APP, that's free too!
