Seattle Mariners top prospect Kade Anderson showed the world why he was drafted No. 3 overall in the 2025 MLB Draft on Friday night, putting together a dominant first performance for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers.

Anderson, who did not pitch professionally after getting drafted in 2025, made his professional debut at Double-A, an accomplishment all by itself. But his performance was also an accomplishment.

The lefty from LSU went four innings, surrendering five hits and no earned runs. He walked just one and struck out six. As noted by Baseball America, he threw 43 strikes out of 59 pitches, peppering the zone all night long. He recorded 12 swings-and-misses.

Recently ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the sport by Baseball America, there's a chance that Anderson could make his debut this season, especially if the M's have injury issues later in the year.

Anderson threw 119 innings at LSU last season, striking out 180 batters. He helped the Tigers win the national championship and was named Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series, and then was drafted No. 3 overall by the Mariners. He features a low-to-mid-90s fastball and multiple developed offspeed pitches. 

He went 1-1 with a 6.43 ERA in three Cactus League appearances - his first action since last June -- and he also pitched in the annual 'Spring Breakout Game.' 

He pairs with Ryan Sloan to make up a dynamic 1-2 pitching prospect group for Seattle. Both pitchers could be up this season if needed.

--At the big-league level, the Mariners are taking on the Los Angeles Angels on Friday night in Anaheim. Bryan Woo will be on the mound for Seattle and we compared the way Woo talks to the way Anderson talks. They sound exactly the same, which is proof that the M's pitching plan is in organizational lockstep.

--Shortstop J.P. Crawford is back in the lineup for the M's on Friday. He missed most of spring training with right shoulder inflammation. He got just one rehab game at Triple-A Tacoma. Ryan Bliss was sent down to Tacoma as a corresponding move.

Crawford is the shortstop of the now, even though Colt Emerson is solidified as the shortstop of the future after signing an eight-year contract extension worth $95 million.

--The M's will send right-hander Emerson Hancock to the mound on Saturday against the Halos, with Luis Castillo to follow on Sunday.

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