Could Seattle Mariners Go After Roster Reunion with Former Key Reliever?

Swanson, 31, played for the Mariners from 2019-2022, becoming an integral part of the bullpen in the 2021 and 2022 campaigns. He helped the Mariners get to the playoffs in 2022, going 3-2 with a 1.68 ERA in 57 games that season. He struck out 70 batters in 53.2 innings and was especially effective against left-handers. The Mariners traded Swanson to the Blue Jays before the 2023 season for Teoscar Hernandez.

He was excellent in Toronto in 2023, going 4-2 with a 2.97 ERA, but the wheels fell off in 2024. He got injured and only appeared in 45 games, pitching to a 5.03 ERA. This year, he's only made six big-league appearances, pitching to a 15.19 ERA. He's made four appearances in Triple-A, owning an ERA of 9.00. Swanson missed time this year with carpal tunnel syndrome in his right forearm, but he just returned and is healthy.

The Mariners have need for extra bullpen arms, but it's unclear how they could make room for Swanson at this time. Trent Thornton owns an ERA of more than seven, but given that he's out of options, the team would have to designate him for assignment, something they apparently don't want to do.

The M's will be back in action on Tuesday against the Red Sox. First pitch at T-Mobile Park is 6:40 p.m. PT.