In a move that has raised eyebrows across the baseball community, the Seattle Mariners announced today that they have released veteran pitchers Drew Pomeranz and Jesse Hahn from their minor league contracts. This decision came after both players, with a combined 18 years of Major League Baseball MLB experience, were not included in the teams Opening Day roster.
Pomeranz, once an AllStar and one of the most dominant lefthanded pitchers in the league, has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons. His oncepromising career has been derailed by multiple setbacks, limiting him to just 19 13 innings over the last three years. Known for his devastating curveball, Pomeranz had a standout 2016 season with the San Diego Padres, earning an AllStar nod with a 2.47 ERA and a .184 batting average against. However, injuries, including a torn flexor tendon in 2021, have overshadowed his talent in recent years. Despite showing flashes of his former self during his time with the Padres and Red Sox, Pomeranz has been unable to recapture his elite form.
Hahn, also plagued by injury concerns, has not appeared in a major league game since 2021. Although he posted a 4.29 ERA in TripleA, his walk rate was a concerning 17.2, a red flag for a pitcher looking to reestablish himself at the MLB level. Hahns career trajectory has mirrored Pomeranzs in some waysboth pitchers have had their potential marred by health issues, preventing them from finding consistency in the big leagues.
Mariners Shift to Younger Talent
The Mariners decision to release both Pomeranz and Hahn signals a shift in philosophy. While both pitchers have a history of success in the majors, the Mariners are choosing to prioritize younger, healthier talent as they build for the future. Carlos Vargas, who secured a spot in the bullpen, is a prime example of this new direction. Vargas outofoptions status may have played a role in his inclusion on the Opening Day roster, while veterans like Pomeranz and Hahn were deemed expendable.
This move also reflects the Mariners commitment to roster optimization. With Vargas joining the bullpen, the team now has the flexibility to assess its younger arms while maintaining depth and balance across its pitching staff. By opting for Vargas and other emerging talents, the Mariners are looking to build a sustainable bullpen that can perform longterm, without relying on injuryprone veterans.
Whats Next for Pomeranz and Hahn?
While the Mariners are moving on, Pomeranz and Hahn are not necessarily out of the MLB picture. Both pitchers have previously shown the ability to be effective when healthy. Pomeranz, in particular, will likely attract interest from teams in need of a veteran lefthanded arm, especially if he can prove his health in a minor league stint. Hahn, with his strong minor league numbers and experience as a starter and reliever, could find a home in a bullpen looking for depth.
The release of these two veterans could lead to further speculation on where they might land. Teams like the Cubs, who have experienced a mix of ups and downs with their bullpen this season, could potentially explore adding Pomeranz or Hahn as lowrisk, highreward candidates. Their veteran experience, paired with the hope of recovery, makes them intriguing options for clubs looking to bolster their pitching depth without breaking the bank.
Conclusion
The Seattle Mariners decision to part ways with Drew Pomeranz and Jesse Hahn is part of a larger trend in Major League Baseballteams opting for youth and potential over veteran experience when it comes to bullpen management. While its disappointing to see two oncepromising careers fade due to injury, this move may ultimately benefit the Mariners as they continue to build a sustainable, competitive roster. For Pomeranz and Hahn, the journey isnt over yet; they may find a new home soon if they can prove that they are healthy and capable of returning to their past form.