Mariners SP Emerson Hancock is demonstrating why he's All-Star material

Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Emerson Hancock. Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Mariners SP Emerson Hancock is demonstrating why he's All-Star material

By Vanessa Serrao | Last updated Jun 9, 2026 1:13 PM ET

The Seattle Mariners own an elite and formidable starting rotation with the "Big Five," but their sixth man, Emerson Hancock, is performing like an All-Star.

Following early-career inconsistencies as well as injuries, an adjustment in his arm angle and arsenal have resurrected his career. He's ditched his old sinker-heavy approach and has established himself as a steady high-performing breakout arm.

His four-seam fastball is boasting a 37.8 percent strikeout rate and he has increased his reliance on his sweeper that's become a weapon (.150 batting average) in his overhauled arsenal this season.

Dropping his arm angle from 27 degrees to 12.2 degrees has helped enhance his strikeout rate to 25 percent, leading to dominance on the mound. On the season he's posted a 5-2 record and 2.74 ERA with 73 strikeouts and a 0.95 WHIP.

The list of AL Starting Pitchers with:

• ERA under 2.75
• WHIP under 1.00
• K/9 over 8.5

Cam Schlittler NYY
Emerson Hancock #Mariners

Is he an all-star? pic.twitter.com/HIAZah2QJ5
— Mitch Levy (@Mitch_Seattle) June 9, 2026

Why Emerson Hancock is All-Star worthy

His performance this season has him deserving of his first All-Star nod. He's reliability and consistency have made him an asset to the rotation, as he's pitched at least five innings in each of his first 13 starts and has surrendered two runs or fewer in five consecutive starts.

In his most recent performance, he earned the win on June 8 against the Baltimore Orioles allowing just one run on three hits while striking out three in five innings.

He also put up a career-high 14-strikeout performance against the Kansas City Royals on May 2. This season, the 27-year-old right-hander has been dominant, limiting opponents to a .204 batting average that ranks third in the AL.

The Mariners' decision to utilize a six-man rotation was to manage pitching workloads, while cautiously easing Bryce Miller back from injury and providing extra rest for veterans such as Luis Castillo.

It's also allowed Hancock to emerge as a formidable back-end ace. Adding an All-Star nod to his resume this season would certainly be a huge milestone achievement, and one that is deserved.

Vanessa Serrao

Serrao is a freelance baseball writer who has covered all MLB teams, with particular expertise on the Toronto Blue Jays. She is a member of the Internet Baseball Writers Association of America.

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