The Seattle Mariners have long prided themselves on building a team around strong pitching, and that philosophy continues to guide their roster decisions. Even with what appears to be another formidable starting rotation heading into the new season — and a bullpen that already features considerable depth — the organization understands how quickly circumstances can change over a 162-game schedule.
Relievers are frequently shuffled in and out due to injuries, workload management, and performance fluctuations. With that in mind, Seattle recently opted to add another experienced arm to its system.
According to the club’s official transaction records, the Mariners signed 27-year-old right-handed pitcher Brendan White to a minor-league contract on Saturday. White brings prior major league experience and spent the first six years of his professional career in the Detroit Tigers organization before being released last July.
White appeared in 33 major league games during the 2023 season, marking his only stint in the big leagues thus far. Over 40 2/3 innings of work, he posted a 5.09 ERA while striking out 44 batters and issuing 15 walks. Those numbers showed flashes of potential, particularly in his ability to generate strikeouts, though inconsistency limited his overall effectiveness.
His momentum stalled in 2024 when injuries shortened his campaign. Following that setback, White was designated for assignment. However, he quickly re-signed with Detroit on a minor-league deal in an effort to work his way back into form. Unfortunately, his performance at the Triple-A level did not produce the turnaround he had hoped for. Across 27 appearances, he recorded a 7.24 ERA, leading to his eventual release from the organization.
After parting ways with the Tigers, White continued pitching in the independent ranks, finishing the season with the Lancaster Stormers of the Atlantic League. Independent league stints often serve as opportunities for players to refine their mechanics and showcase improvements in hopes of drawing interest from major league clubs — which appears to be exactly what happened in this case.
While White is not viewed as a frontrunner for a spot on Seattle’s Opening Day roster, this signing fits the Mariners’ broader strategy of accumulating pitching depth. The organization has consistently demonstrated an ability to develop and refine arms within its system. By bringing White into the fold on a minor-league contract, Seattle gives itself another project with upside — a pitcher who has already tasted the majors and could potentially contribute again if he regains form.
If White responds well to coaching and adjustments within the Mariners’ developmental program, he could position himself as a midseason call-up option. For now, the move represents a low-risk addition for a franchise intent on sustaining its pitching dominance throughout the grind of a long season.
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