![\"Jerry](\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2022\/12\/Jerry-Dipoto-300x200.jpg\")
The front office and coaching staff deserve credit for how they have built this roster over many years. More specifically, how they developed this pitching unit.<\/p>\n
They have a clear blueprint for what they want \u2014 considering pitch arsenal, ballpark fit, characteristics, velocity, and movement. In this two-part series, we will outline the traits the Mariners prioritize before moving on to potential bullpen arms who fit this criteria and could be added either before the season begins or at the trade deadline.<\/p>\n
Mariners Pitcher Profile: The Bullpen: Part 1<\/strong><\/h2>\nThrowing Strikes<\/strong><\/h3>\nThrow strikes. This is the name of the game for Mariners pitchers. While this might sound blindingly obvious, it is not necessarily about strikeouts but about pounding the zone. Of course, the Mariners possess pitchers with elite swing-and-miss ability, but their bullpen is also full of arms whose primary goal is to induce weak contact in the zone.<\/p>\n
The Mariners\u2019 bullpen is filled with relievers who throw 55\u201360% of their pitches in the zone, comfortably above the league average, which typically sits closer to the low-50% range. There are two notable exceptions: Matt Brash<\/a> and Andr\u00e9s Mu\u00f1oz<\/a>. Those two are the strikeout arms, with some of the best bat-missing ability in the league. Even then, the group keeps walk rates below 11% and maintains sustainable strikeout-to-walk ratios. Keeping walks to a minimum is obviously key if you are looking for weak contact.<\/p>\nThe Mariners clearly prioritize pitchers who limit free passes and force hitters to swing. While they have arms with the stuff to live outside the zone and miss bats, those are diversifiers rather than the norm. Challenging hitters have become the bread and butter of this pitching unit.<\/p>\n
\nAndres Mu\u00f1oz has been absolutely LIGHTS OUT for Seattle.<\/p>\n
64 Games Played (career high)
\n62.1 Innings Pitched
\n1.73 ERA (career high)
\n38 Saves (career high)<\/p>\n
Only TWO HRs allowed all season. \ud83d\udd31<\/p>\n
If you see him coming\u2026 it\u2019s already too late. pic.twitter.com\/EhqVB0U5Vs<\/a><\/p>\n\u2014 SleeperMariners (@SleeperMariners) October 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Throw strikes. This is the name of the game for Mariners pitchers. While this might sound blindingly obvious, it is not necessarily about strikeouts but about pounding the zone. Of course, the Mariners possess pitchers with elite swing-and-miss ability, but their bullpen is also full of arms whose primary goal is to induce weak contact in the zone.<\/p>\n
The Mariners\u2019 bullpen is filled with relievers who throw 55\u201360% of their pitches in the zone, comfortably above the league average, which typically sits closer to the low-50% range. There are two notable exceptions: Matt Brash<\/a> and Andr\u00e9s Mu\u00f1oz<\/a>. Those two are the strikeout arms, with some of the best bat-missing ability in the league. Even then, the group keeps walk rates below 11% and maintains sustainable strikeout-to-walk ratios. Keeping walks to a minimum is obviously key if you are looking for weak contact.<\/p>\n The Mariners clearly prioritize pitchers who limit free passes and force hitters to swing. While they have arms with the stuff to live outside the zone and miss bats, those are diversifiers rather than the norm. Challenging hitters have become the bread and butter of this pitching unit.<\/p>\n Andres Mu\u00f1oz has been absolutely LIGHTS OUT for Seattle.<\/p>\n 64 Games Played (career high) Only TWO HRs allowed all season. \ud83d\udd31<\/p>\n If you see him coming\u2026 it\u2019s already too late. pic.twitter.com\/EhqVB0U5Vs<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 SleeperMariners (@SleeperMariners) October 2, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
\n62.1 Innings Pitched
\n1.73 ERA (career high)
\n38 Saves (career high)<\/p>\n