Bullpen Boost! Mariners Land Star Pitcher to Anchor Relief Corps
In 2021, the Mariners found themselves in a dogfight for the postseason. The closest they had been in years, they had the added pressure of making it for their club servant and legend, Kyle Seager. Seager had spent his entire 10-year career with the Mariners, but at age 33, was getting ready to call it quits. In 2021, the Mariners didn’t have the legendary pitching staff they have now. It was still good, especially their bullpen, but they didn’t yet have their “pluck an elite reliever out of thin air” reputation. So where were they going to get help?
Matt Brash Has Been A Big Bullpen Help
On September 28, 2021, Seattle called up star prospect, Matt Brash. Brash had been a starter in the minor leagues and pitched well. During his time in Double-A and High-A in 2021, he threw 10 games in each, with an ERA under 2.60. This was enough for the Mariners to call him up to bolster their playoff chances.
As their playoff hopes crashed and burned with a 1-0 loss to the Los Angeles Angels in game 161, Brash didn’t end up pitching for Seattle at all during his first stint in the Majors.
In 2022, Brash would make the team out of Spring Training and join the Mariners’ starting rotation. He would make a very promising debut against the Chicago White Sox, pitching 5.1 innings and giving up two runs in a 3-2 loss. Brash would then go on to struggle in a starting role before being sent down. In Triple-A Tacoma he excelled as a reliever, earning another call-up to the big league team.
Brash’s Big League Successes
Brash found his home in the Mariners bullpen, finishing his 2022 with a 4.44 ERA in 50.2 innings. Brash’s velocity and slider combination was crucial down the stretch the Mariners finally ending their playoff drought.
In 2023, Brash saw himself get even better. He established himself as a high-leverage arm for Seattle. He led all pitchers by appearing in 78 games. In 70.2 innings he pitched to a 3.06 ERA.
In spring training 2024, it was announced that Brash would miss the start of the season due to elbow pain. Fans were concerned, but Seattle wanted to take things slow. Ultimately, everyone’s concerns were confirmed when it was announced that Brash would need Tommy John surgery. He went on to miss all of 2024. The Mariners certainly felt his absence.
Fast forward to Spring Training 2025, Brash is on the ups and is pitching again. On Friday, Seattle Times reporter Adam Jude posted a video of Matt Brash throwing a bullpen on X. In the video, Brash is sitting around 90-91 MPH, which is a fair tick down from his usual 98-100. Jude however eased fans’ concerns, later stating that Brash is right on track, and maybe even a little better than expected.
Brash probably won’t be 100% ready to go at the start of the season, but he will be a huge boost to the Mariner pen when he does return.
