Mariners reportedly acquire Pirates reliever Caleb Ferguson

The Seattle Mariners have made an important trade to bolster their bullpen, with the addition of lefty Caleb Ferguson.

While most fans have been hoping for the addition of another quality bat to bolster the lineup – Eugenio Suárez anyone? – this didn’t change the reality the Seattle Mariners also need help in the bullpen. Well, they’ve now addressed this need, courtesy of reliever Caleb Ferguson.

First reported by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the trade has now been officially confirmed by the Mariners themselves. Ferguson arrives from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for Single-A right-hander Jeter Martinez, who was the M’s number 13 prospect according to MLB Pipeline and has a 4.16 ERA in three Minor League seasons.

Caleb Ferguson is just what the Mariners need

Ferguson might inspire a stark contrast to the excitement which surrounded Josh Naylor’s arrival from the Arizona Diamondbacks last week, but he’s still a necessary acquisition. While the bullpen has the likes of Andrés Muñoz, Matt Brash and Gabe Speier, they still needed more quality options.

Southpaw Ferguson has produced a 3.74 ERA in 45 appearances for the Pirates this season, along with a 3.14 FIP. While this might not sound that impressive, he also has a 1.085 WHIP which projects to be the second-best of his seven years in the Majors, while he’s also on course to have his best ever WAR.

The 29-year-old’s Baseball Savant page also shows what he’s capable of, highlighted by ranking in the 100th percentile for Avg Exit Velo and Had-Hit %, as well as the 97th percentile for Barrel %. For his Major League career he has a 3.69 ERA, 3.68 FIP and 1.296 WHIP in 308 appearances.

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Lights out in the postseason

If the Mariners manage to qualify for the playoffs, Ferguson has already proven that he can handle the added pressure. He has made nine relief appearances over three postseasons and not allowed a hit or run in 5.2 combined innings, while also recording five strikeouts. (He does also have two walks.)

The Mariners will pick up the balance of Ferguson’s guaranteed $3 million salary for 2025, with him set to become an unrestricted free agent at the conclusion of the season. It will be interesting to see how he helps a bullpen which does rank seventh in the majors in team ERA, but also just tied-16th in batting average, 18th in WHIP and 20th in strikeouts.

As for Martinez, he was the number four pitching prospect in the Mariners organization according to MLB Pipeline. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Collin Snider has been reinstated from the 15-day Injured List and designated for assignment.

Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rodgers Photography

What’s your take on the addition of Ferguson to the bullpen? Also, is this now it for the Mariners on the trade front or do you still predict more action between now and 3 pm PT on Thursday? Let us know in the comments section below.