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Scott Boras has developed a well-deserved reputation over the years, for thinking big on behalf of his clients. As such, when the baseball super-agent speaks, people listen. And Mariners fans will be champing at the bit, after hearing what he had to say about Kade Anderson on Tuesday.
Boras was in Seattle for the official signing at T-Mobile Park of Ace Reese, the Mariners' 2026 first-round draft pick. The 73-year-old spent plenty of time talking up one of his newest clients. However, with him also representing Anderson, there was also inevitably plenty of discussion about the southpaw.
Expectations have been there for Anderson, ever since the Mariners drafted him third overall last year. He's the top-rated pitching prospect in baseball according to MLB Pipeline and is enjoying a phenomenal first season in the pros, with Double-A Arkansas. His 1.36 ERA and 0.688 WHIP lead all minor league pitchers, with him also racking up 108 strikeouts over 72.2 innings.
Scott Boras makes it clear that it's nearly time to call up his client
Boras talked about how he felt the Mariners were one of the best landing spots for Anderson prior to last year's draft, due to their sterling reputation of developing pitchers. He anticipates the recently-turned 22-year-old being called up to the majors at some point this summer. As per Adam Jude of The Seattle Times, he said:
(The Mariners) have brought up guys from Double-A before. And I would imagine that — I don’t know how this trade deadline is going to go, but I do know that with Kade, really of any pitcher in the minor leagues, there’s no one that’s been more dominant.Scott Boras
Boras went on to add that when Anderson does get the call, he expects him to be part of the starting rotation rather than being in the bullpen. The only exception to this, according to the Sacramento, California native, is in the event of the Mariners being in the playoffs. However, as much as he believes his client could be an effective reliever, "they would have to prepare him for that."
While Boras can be a polarizing character at times, on this occasion he's absolutely right about everything he says. He understandably wants to see his client in the majors sooner than later, and basically for him to get veteran treatment right away. It's truly hard to argue against the sentiment that Anderson has earned his chance.
Still a significant stumbling block to Kade Anderson being called up by the Mariners
It does help that the Mariners have a reputation for generally not messing around with Triple-A, when it comes to their top pitching prospects. Logan Gilbert and George Kirby both only had one start in Tacoma before getting the call up to the majors, while Bryan Woo had none. Further, Jerry Dipoto recently admitted Anderson has done more during his time in the minors, than what any of the aforementioned trio achieved.
Unfortunately for Anderson, one of the things potentially delaying his Major League promotion, is the logjam of starters. Dipoto does not want to call him up and use him in the bullpen, as he is concerned it will sabotage his development. However, there is just no opening right now, with the Mariners effectively having a six-man rotation.
This only shines a light on the Mariners need: to trade one of their starting pitchers between now and Aug. 3. Besides, what other team is in such a position of strength, to help facilitate their own needs of a quality right-handed bat and reliever?
Until then, Anderson must wait, but Boras' message is clear: Figure it out!
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This article was originally published on sodomojo.com as Scott Boras barely pulled his punches setting Mariners expectations for Kade Anderson.
