The left-handed reliever has continued his elite season through two postseason appearances
SEATTLE — At this time last season, the Seattle Mariners were watching the playoffs from home. And one left-handed reliever was working to lay the groundwork for what he hoped would be a bounce back season.
Gabe Speier had what was essentially a lost season in 2024. He was unable to replicate his career year (3.79 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 69 appearances) in 2023, mostly due to reasons out of his control.
Speier was placed on the injured list with a left-rotator cuff strain June 1, 2024. He returned July 19, but was unable to return to form and was optioned and recalled from the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers two separate times. Across his tumultuous year, Speier posted a 5.70 ERA and fanned 33 batters in 23.2 innings pitched across 29 outings.
This year, Speier has bounced back. In the regular season, he had a 2.61 ERA and struck out 82 hitters in 62 innings across 76 appearances. He was the only high-leverage southpaw for most of the season for the team and spent a large chunk of the year as the team's only left-handed hurler on the entire staff.
Speier's solid year has continued through the playoffs. He's appeared in both Games 1 and 2 of best-of-five American League Divisional Series between the Mariners and Detroit Tigers. He's fanned four in 2.2 innings pitched and is yet to allow a hit or give up a free base.
In Game 2 of the ALDS on Sunday at T-Mobile Park, Speier inherited runners on the corners with two outs in the top of the fifth inning .He struck out right fielder Kerry Carpenter to get out of the inning. Seattle ultimately won the game 3-2 and tied the ALDS 1-1.
"This is what you play for," Speier said in a postgame interview Sunday. "This is postseason baseball. Last year was tough, but it gave me some motivation to really work hard this offseason to get back to my 'true form,' I guess you would say. It's been a fun year. I'm happy with it so far."
Speier hasn't been solid for the organization, he's been one of the best relievers in the major leagues.
Speier's 33.7% strikeout rate, 4.5% walk rate and 35.5% chase rate rank in the 96th, 97th and 98th percentile in baseball, respectively, according to Baseball Savant. Speier was the only reliever in the majors this season with a strikeout rate above 30% and a walk rate under 5%.
Speier doesn't have an All-Star or All-MLB Team nomination to show for his stellar season, but his contributions are recognized within the Mariners clubhouse.
"I just think relievers in general fly under the radar," Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh said in a postgame interview Sunday. " ... (Speier's) been asked to do a lot. Can't speak highly enough about him. With him, especially after a tough year last year with injuries, he's been a huge part of our team this year. Again, he kind of goes under the radar because he's a reliever. But what he's done is super important."
Speier will likely continue to be depended on as the Mariners attempt to make a deep postseason run.
Seattle will head on the road for Games 3 and 4 of the ALDS at Comerica Park in Detroit. Game 3 is scheduled for 1:08 p.m. PT on Tuesday.
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