Seattle Mariners Make Waves: Kade Anderson Chosen as Third Overall Pick in 2025 MLB Draft

Mariners Scouting Director Scott Hunter called the 2025 MLB Draft “unpredictable,” and he wasn’t wrong. The Washington Nationals surprised everyone by picking prep shortstop Eli Willits first overall. This opened up a lot of possibilities for the Mariners. The Los Angeles Angels decided to go a different route with their pick, focusing on rebuilding their farm system. This left the Mariners with an exciting choice at number three: left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from LSU.

Since winning the MLB Draft Lottery and securing the third pick, there’s been a lot of speculation about the Mariners’ choice. In this open draft year, many were unsure which direction they would take. But now that the decision is made, we can officially say: welcome to the Seattle Mariners, Kade Anderson!

The Mariners often prefer safe, reliable picks, focusing on players with solid skills rather than high-risk, high-reward profiles. While they’ve occasionally selected younger players, like Cole Young, they have a history of choosing college pitchers. Anderson fits this mold. He brings a well-rounded skill set and a remarkable track record, similar to recent picks like Logan Gilbert and George Kirby, who are now key members of the Mariners’ rotation.

Anderson is a promising talent. He dominated the SEC and proved himself as one of the best pitchers in college baseball this past season. His polished four-pitch mix and the right mindset make him an ideal choice for Seattle. He’s known for his ability to throw strikes and compete fiercely.

Standing at 6’2”, Anderson still has room to grow. His fastball typically sits around 93 mph but has been clocked at 98. Impressively, he maintains this velocity deep into games, sometimes reaching 96 on his 100th pitch. Alongside his fastball, he has strong secondary pitches: a curveball, slider, and changeup, all of which he controls effectively. There’s exciting potential for his development in the Mariners’ system.

One standout moment this season was during the College World Series, where Anderson shone brightly. He was named the Most Outstanding Player after leading LSU to a championship with a complete-game shutout. Scott Hunter highlighted this performance as a testament to Anderson’s winning mentality. Even when not at his best, Anderson showed resilience, battling through adversity to secure the victory.

Hunter reminisced about watching Anderson pitch while he was on a flight home from the draft combine. He expressed confidence in Anderson’s ability to adapt and excel, noting, “Even when he doesn’t have his best stuff, he finds a way to win.” Anderson’s hunger to pitch deep into games aligns perfectly with the Mariners’ starting pitching philosophy, where going five innings is the bare minimum.

Hunter was particularly impressed with Anderson’s mindset. He likened him to current Mariners pitchers George Kirby and Logan Gilbert, praising his desire to learn while maintaining a serious approach. Anderson values teamwork and winning over personal accolades, making him a perfect cultural fit for the organization.

As the Mariners build for the future, Anderson’s winning pedigree and mental fortitude are invaluable. Hunter believes that players like Anderson can help shift the team’s culture towards sustained success. “Finding players who prioritize winning can help us make real changes,” he stated. “Bringing in players who have experienced success at a high level is crucial for our playoff aspirations.”

With further picks still to come in the draft, there’s a sense of excitement around who the Mariners will select next. As the team continues to build its future, fans will be eager to see how Anderson and his fellow draftees shape the Mariners’ path toward success.



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