The Seattle Mariners have acquired right-handed pitcher Alex Hoppe from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor-league catcher Luke Heyman.
The biggest headline involving the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday was undoubtedly the press conference they held, to discuss signing Josh Naylor to a five-year deal. However, the organization also made news thanks to a trade and designating a popular player for assignment.
As confirmed by the Mariners on social media, they have acquired right-handed pitcher Alex Hoppe from the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor league catcher Luke Heyman. To make room on the 40-man roster for Hoppe, in a corresponding move the team has designated left-handed pitcher Tayler Saucedo for assignment.
Will Alex Hoppe help the Mariners bullpen?
Hoppe was originally selected by the Red Sox in the sixth round of the 2022 MLB draft from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has yet to player in the majors and finished this past season in Triple-A Worcester, where he produced a 4.76 ERA and 1.522 WHIP in 45.1 combined innings over 37 appearances.
Overall, the 26-year-old has a 4.76 ERA and 1.591 WHIP over three seasons at various levels of the minors with the Red Sox organization, pitching a total of 176.0 innings over 123 games. He mostly relies on a 98 mph four-seam fastball and solid cutter, although the slider was his most effective pitch in Triple-A during 2025 as highlighted by a 47.0 strikeout rate on 200 pitches.
Whether Hoppe can develop into a reliable bullpen option in Seattle remains to be seen, with questions about his lack of location and high walk-rate. Heyman was selected in the 14th round of this year’s draft by the Mariners and leaves the organization having yet to make his professional debut.
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Tayler Saucedo seems set to leave hometown team
As for Saucedo, it will be a shame for many to see him leave if he has indeed pitched his last game for the Mariners organization. He played varsity baseball at Tahoma High School and was well liked by both teammates and fans alike.
The 32-year-old was an effective bullpen option for two seasons following his trade from the Toronto Blue Jays at the beginning of 2023. However, things took a downward turn this past season as he was limited to 13.1 combined big league innings over 10 appearances, in the process recording a 7.43 ERA and 1.875 WHIP.
Saucedo did fare better in 19.2 combined innings over 22 appearances in Triple-A Tacoma, as he produced a 2.75 ERA and 1.322 WHIP. He is out of options and unless he is traded by Friday, seems set to be non-tendered and become a free agent.
Photos court​‌esy of Tim Rogers Photography
Who would you (realistically) like to see the Mariners make a play for, in their search for a quality reliever to boost the bullpen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
