Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock (26) throws to the Minnesota Twins in the first inning at Target Field on June 26. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Seattle Mariners' Latest Roster Decision Could Have Major Impact on Playoff Future

Originally posted on Seattle Mariners on SI
By Brady Farkas | Last updated Aug 21, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners made a previously unannounced roster move on Wednesday, as they transitioned starting pitcher Emerson Hancock to the bullpen at Triple-A Tacoma.

Playing for the Rainiers, Hancock threw one inning, striking out one and walking one. He also allowed one run on two hits against the Oklahoma City Comets.

His fastball topped out at 97.8 mph.

Emerson Hancock records his first strikeout as a relief pitcher, 96.8. Gave up a run on 2 hits (1 was a soft contact hit) & a walk. pic.twitter.com/kAFM1LcETr
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) August 21, 2025

A former first-round pick of the Mariners in 2020, Hancock had never made a relief appearance in professional baseball before Wednesday. He started 15 games for Seattle this season, pitching to a 3-5 record with a 5.47 ERA. He's 1-2 with a 5.27 at Triple-A.

Why would the M's try this?

First and foremost, the Mariners appear desperate for some bullpen help. Seattle was unable to land an impact reliever at the trade deadline, and there are major questions beyond Andres Munoz, Matt Brash and Gabe Speier. Casey Legumina, Tayler Saucedo, and Sauryn Lao all took turns getting knocked around the ballpark in Philadelphia this week, and Gregory Santos and Troy Taylor haven't provided the answers the organization was hoping for.

Santos is currently rehabbing from injury and Taylor has an ERA over seven with the Rainiers, in addition to an ERA north of 12 with the Mariners this season. If Seattle wants to capture the American League West for the first time since 2001, they'll need some help in the 'pen, and this is an option worth trying.

Furthermore, maybe the organization thinks that Hancock's stuff will play better out of the bullpen. He can reach top-end velocity in shorter roles, and his lesser breaking stuff won't be as exposed. It's a possibility.

Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

No place for him as a starter

At least not right now. The Mariners have all five starters healthy for the first time all season, and they have Logan Evans working back from the injured list as well. If the team needs another starter, Evans could be an option soon, and there's always the waiver wire. Perhaps this is the best path to getting Hancock consistent reps in the major leagues again.

It's worked before

Edwin Diaz and Matt Brash are two prime examples of Mariners pitchers who converted from a starter to a reliever. No one expects Hancock to be that dominant, but there is a template for this.

We caught up with Hancock this May to talk about his velocity jumps this season, and you can learn more about that here:

TOMORROW on the #RefuseToLose podcast:

You'll hear my full, short conversations with Josh Rojas, Emerson Hancock and Miles Mastrobuoni, as well as a full chat with @Mitch_Seattle.

Here's an interesting preview from Hancock on his velo gains/where they orginated.#TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/e2nc3WJY0E
— Brady Farkas (@RefuseToLosePod) May 19, 2025