Seattle Mariners Select National Champion Lefty with No. 3 Draft Pick

Anderson led LSU to the National Championship this season, as they swept Coastal Carolina in the College World Series finals. He led the nation in strikeouts with 180 in 119.0 innings. He posted a 12-1 record and a 3.18 ERA.

The ESPN panelists approved of the selection during television coverage of the draft on Sunday night, saying that Anderson may have the highest floor of any player in the draft. There are questions about velocity (93 mph average fastball), but insiders like his four-pitch mix.

Given that he's already pitched in the SEC - and dominated - there's certainly a chance that Anderson could be a fast riser through the M's system. Seattle's top pitching prospect currently is right-hander Ryan Sloan, who is pitching at Single-A Modesto. Seattle hasn't had a regular lefty in its rotation since Marco Gonzales in 2023.

If Anderson is able to rise fast, he could help alleviate concerns about the future of Seattle's rotation. Luis Castillo is a free agent after the 2027 season, as is Logan Gilbert. George Kirby is a free agent after 2028. Might Anderson be ready to take one of their spots eventually?

The Mariners swept the Detroit Tigers this past weekend to hit the All-Star break at 51-45 overall. They are in second place in the American League West.