Mariners Prospect Ryan Sloan Impresses Front Office After Bullpen

The article follows Ryan Sloan, a Mariners pitching prospect, as he grabs attention during spring training in Peoria. Sloan’s standout live batting practice session and his journey from high school to the upper minor leagues get the spotlight, along with the mindset that’s pushing his development forward.

Scouts and executives can’t help but buzz about his combination of raw velocity, size, and a surprisingly refined approach for his age. There’s a real sense that Sloan could be a future big leaguer, maybe even a star.

Performance snapshot from Peoria: Sloan’s live BP steals the spotlight

During his first live batting practice of the spring, Ryan Sloan unleashed a four-pitch mix that blended serious velocity with impressive control. He hit 99 mph several times with his fastball, mixed in a 98-mph sinking two-seamer, showed off a sharp changeup, and tossed a couple of tight sliders.

All of this made for a session that teams dream of seeing in a future starter. Sloan faced hitters like Cal Raleigh, Josh Naylor, and Randy Arozarena. Raleigh fouled off some pitches, Naylor grounded out, and Arozarena swung through fastballs—one even knocked the bat out of his hands for a second.

Mariners execs Jerry Dipoto and Justin Hollander watched with clear excitement. They see Sloan as a special talent, even if he’s still figuring things out at just 20 years old.

Sloan’s size stands out—he’s 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, with mechanics that look smooth and mature. Some folks are even tossing around comparisons to a young Gerrit Cole.

The Mariners drafted him 55th overall in 2024, signing him for $3 million out of high school after he’d committed to Wake Forest. That build, the fast arm, and the knack for throwing strikes are the kind of traits that can turn a prospect into a rotation anchor in a few years.

Pitch arsenal and velocity: what Sloan brings to the table

• Four-pitch mix with plenty of velocity and strikeout potential
• Fastball that touches 99 mph
• Sinking two-seamer at 98 mph with late run
• Changeup that pairs well with his heater
• Sliders that get chases and whiffs
• Size and mechanics that fit a durable starter

Draft path and early professional development

Modesto was where Sloan got his first taste of pro ball. He started 18 games in Low-A Modesto, posting a 3.44 ERA and striking out 77 batters in 70 2/3 innings.

That earned him a promotion to High-A Everett, but an eye surgery ended his season early after just a handful of outings. Sloan called the year a big learning curve, saying it taught him to focus on the process instead of chasing quick results.

He bounced back by zeroing in on command and his overall approach. Over five starts, he threw 21 innings and allowed only one run. That stretch showed how much a sustainable routine and mental discipline matter, maybe even more than raw stuff.

In the off-season, Sloan ramped up his strength training and started journaling to keep his mindset steady and his intentions clear.

What the organization and teammates say about his trajectory

Inside the Mariners organization, there’s a mix of excitement and careful optimism. Sloan’s size, arm speed, and feel for pitching are rare for someone his age.

Execs picture him as a future big-league starter who could draw a crowd, and teammates see the potential for him to be a real cornerstone if he keeps sharpening his command and pitch sequencing under pressure.

Off-season preparation and the roadmap ahead

Sloan’s off-season focused on strength development and building mental routines, like journaling to track progress and intentions. This combination of physical work and a thoughtful approach to mindset fits right in with the Mariners’ philosophy.

If he can keep his command sharp, stick to his mechanics, and carry his live BP success into real games, Sloan might move up the system fast—and maybe, just maybe, make some noise in Seattle before too long.

Looking ahead: Sloan’s upside and what it means for Seattle

The Mariners have kicked off spring training, and there’s already a buzz around Ryan Sloan. He’s a young pitcher with some serious physical tools, a gritty competitive makeup, and a mindset that’s all about growth.

People aren’t just watching his velocity. They’re curious about how his command, consistency, and resilience will show up during his starts.

If Sloan keeps maturing on the mound and off, Seattle might just have a pitcher who can anchor their rotation for a long time. There’s a lot to like about his process and his stuff, honestly.

 
Here is the source article for this story: M’s pitching prospect has front office grinning after bullpen session