The Seattle Mariners have acquired left-handed relief pitcher Caleb Ferguson in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to multiple sources. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic and Adam Jude of The Seattle Times had it first, according to Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Stumpf has never lied to us before, so we’ll go with that. The Mariners later announced the deal themselves on social media. The Pirates will receive minor league right-handed pitcher Jeter Martinez in return.
Pirates Trade Reliever Caleb Ferguson to Mariners
There was no deadline buzz about Ferguson, but it was clear he would be dealt. He’s under an expiring contract, and contenders are always seeking left-handed relief help. It’s also no surprise he’s headed to Seattle, a favorite trade partner of Pirates general manager Ben Cherington.
Welcome to the squad 🔱
We’ve acquired LHP Caleb Ferguson from the Pirates in exchange for minor league RHP Jeter Martinez. #TridentsUp
🔗 https://t.co/9UJWMH6eOt pic.twitter.com/qth08Sn7dG
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) July 30, 2025
The Pirates signed Ferguson, 29, to a one-year, $3 million contract last January. It was a deal that didn’t seem to address a pressing need at the time, but Ferguson would soon prove the naysayers wrong by providing stellar relief in high-leverage situations. In 45 games, he’s 2-2 with a 3.74 ERA, 3.14 FIP, and 1.085 WHIP, holding opponents to a .214/.297/.286 slash line and a 25.4 per cent hard-hit rate. As recently as July 13, Ferguson’s ERA was 2.70. A recent ugly two-game stretch where he gave up six earned runs in 1 1/3 innings distorted his present ERA. He righted himself in his last two appearances, pitching two scoreless innings.
As expected, Ferguson has been better against left-handed batters, holding them to a .167 average. He’s been good enough against right-handers to navigate most innings unscathed. Right-handed hitters are hitting .250 against Ferguson. The Mariners lack a left-hander in their bullpen, so Ferguson should step right into a prominent role.
Pirates Acquire Prospect Jeter for Ferguson
Martinez, 19, was the Mariners’ No. 13 prospect. The six-foot-four, 180-pound right-handed starter pitched in Single-A Modesto, where he’s had a rough time of it. He’s 2-6 with a 6.18 ERA and 1.612 WHIP in 16 games. It seems control problems are at least partially responsible. He’s walked 5.5 batters per nine innings. He was an international signee in 2023. Mariners scouts liked his athleticism and velocity. Along with Oneil Cruz, Martinez gives the Pirates organization two players named after stars from the Joe Torre Yankees era. Pirates fans have to hope that some of that greatness rubs off on their favorite team.
Main Photo Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
