Morosi: Mariners’ biggest need? ‘Address the rotation first’

Jun 12, 2025, 8:25 AM | Updated: 8:26 am

Seattle Sports

It’s been a rollercoaster of a past few days for the Seattle Mariners’ starting rotation.

Logan Gilbert shines during strong third rehab start

George Kirby made a statement Sunday with his best start since returning from the injured list with a career-high 14 batters over seven innings of two-run ball against the Angels. That was a big development for a group that’s been hampered by injuries all season. Another big development came two days later, though, when the team placed Bryce Miller back on the 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation.

The good news for the Mariners is Logan Gilbert is expected back soon, and he pitched five shutout innings Tuesday night in what could be his final rehab appearance in the minors. But with Miller going on the injured list once more, it means the Mariners will go even longer without having their rotation at full strength.

Another absence for Miller has MLB Network insider Jon Morosi concerned for the M’s. He told Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob on Tuesday that bolstering the rotation should be priority No. 1 for the Mariners moving forward.

“It was a very positive start from Kirby,” Morosi said. “That was really good to see that it looks like he’s getting closer to being himself, and not a moment too soon because the Mariners I think need not only Kirby to be vintage Kirby, but this Miller news is concerning enough for me that I would say you probably have to go on an all-out search for some starting pitching help at the deadline.”

Morosi even went as far as to say it should be priority No. 1 at the moment.

“Long before the Mariners spend any internal capital to trade for the bats that they also need, they have to address the rotation first,” Morosi said. “That’s where job one has to be. Now, does that mean they’re going to get clever with a waiver claim or finding someone who’s at Triple-A somewhere and sign them to a major league contract? It may have to be around the margins for now.”

What’s on the market?

As far as who the Mariners could target in trades, Morosi called the current pitching market “not terribly exciting.”

One big name on a struggling team is Atlanta Braves ace Chris Sale. The 2024 NL Cy Young winner is having another strong season with a 2.79 ERA over 80 2/3 innings, but Morosi said the Braves aren’t looking to move him.

One player Morosi does like for the Mariners in Rangers right-hander Tyler Mahle, who has a 2.34 ERA over 77 innings this season. But it’s unclear at this point if the Rangers will be sellers when the trade deadline gets closer.

“I don’t think Chris Sale is walking through that door, but they’re going to have to I think get really clever with the right pitcher to come in,” Morosi said. “And we talked before (about) Tyler Mahle. I think would be a phenomenal fit if the Rangers decided to sell. But I think, for now, it’s just becoming very clear to me that pitching is where the Mariners have to go at the trade deadline.”

Hear the full conversation at this link or in the audio player near the top of this story. Listen to Wyman and Bob weekdays from 2-7 p.m. or find the podcast on the Seattle Sports app.