In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the MLB community, the Seattle Mariners have officially claimed right-hander Hagen Danner off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. The Blue Jays designated the 26-year-old for assignment last month, entering into what could be a crucial juncture in his professional career. With the Mariners’ 40-man roster now standing at 39, Danner could be poised for a fresh start in Seattle.

Danner's journey in professional baseball has indeed been an unusual one. Originally drafted as a catcher by the Blue Jays in 2017, his batting struggles in the minors led him to transition to the pitcher’s mound—a decision that has produced mixed results. He made his official pitching debut in 2021, throwing 35 2/3 innings in High-A ball, where he showcased considerable promise with a solid 2.02 earned run average (ERA). Notably, he struck out an impressive 29.4% of batters while keeping walks to a manageable 8.4%.

Despite his talent, Danner's progress has been hampered by injuries. He spent a significant portion of the 2022 season on the injured list, making just four appearances in Double-A before bouncing back in 2023. In that season, he pitched 39 1/3 innings across various levels, achieving a respectable 3.66 ERA and maintaining an elevated strikeout rate of 35.7%. However, an unfortunate oblique strain cut short his debut in the major leagues, forcing him onto the injured list for about six weeks.

In 2024, Danner encountered further challenges, landing back on the minor league injured list for two months. Nevertheless, he made the most of his opportunities, accumulating 35 1/3 innings with a solid 3.06 ERA, albeit with a reduced strikeout rate of 24.2%.

The Blue Jays seem to have opted to move on from Danner, perhaps feeling uncertain about his long-term potential given his inconsistency on the mound. Meanwhile, the Mariners clearly see an intriguing opportunity in Danner, who remains somewhat of an enigma with just over 100 professional innings experience. With one option year remaining, Seattle has the flexibility to nurture his development without immediate pressures.

This strategic acquisition highlights Seattle's commitment to bolstering their pitching depth as they look ahead to the 2024 season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Danner can capitalize on this second chance and fulfill his potential as a reliable arm in the Mariners' bullpen. Will he rise to the occasion, or is this another missed opportunity for a rising star? Only time will tell!