The Seattle Mariners have completed a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, acquiring left-handed reliever Caleb Ferguson in exchange for minor league right-hander Jeter Martinez. Ferguson, who is currently under a one-year contract worth $3 million, has had a solid season with the Pirates, boasting a 3.74 ERA over 43 1/3 innings pitched. His impressive statistics include a low average exit velocity of 83.5 mph—the lowest among MLB pitchers with a minimum of 40 innings—and a hard-hit rate of just 25.2%, making him one of the toughest relievers to hit.
The 29-year-old Ferguson has experience in seven major league seasons, totaling a 3.69 ERA in 305 innings. He has excelled against left-handed batters this year, limiting them to a mere .167 batting average. While his strikeout rate has dipped this season to 19.3%, he has also achieved his lowest walk rate since 2020. This acquisition will bolster the Mariners’ bullpen, which has struggled to find depth in left-handed options aside from Gabe Speier.
On the other hand, the Pirates are set to benefit from Jeter Martinez, a promising 19-year-old pitcher who has faced significant challenges at the Low-A level, where he currently holds a 6.18 ERA. Despite his struggles, Martinez has shown potential with a powerful mid-90s fastball and complementary pitches, including a slider and changeup that could develop into strong assets. The Pirates are looking to harness his abilities as he continues to refine his command, as he still has time before needing to be added to the 40-man roster.
This trade reflects both teams’ strategies: the Mariners aim to strengthen their bullpen for immediate performance, while the Pirates look to develop young talent for future success. As the season progresses, both Ferguson’s impact on the Mariners and Martinez’s development with the Pirates will be closely watched.