The Mariners have brought back right-hander on a minor league deal, as noted on MLB.com’s transactions tracker. Represented by Big League Management Company, He is likely to receive an invite to major league spring training in the coming months.
The 37-year-old also signed a minor league contract with Seattle before last season, serving as additional pitching depth. In 2024, he made 29 starts in Triple-A, pitching 165 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League. He posted a 5.95 ERA, with a modest 14.9% strikeout rate but a strong 6.6% walk rate and a solid 44.1% ground ball rate. Despite this, he didn’t get a call-up to the majors and recently entered minor league free agency before rejoining the Mariners.
He has major league experience spanning four seasons, pitching for the Blue Jays, Mariners, and Cardinals. Across 124 innings in the big leagues, he holds a 6.75 ERA.
Seattle’s rotation looks solid when healthy. Luis Castillo, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Bryce Miller all made at least 30 starts in 2024, with none posting an ERA above 3.64. Bryan Woo also contributed with 22 starts and an impressive 2.89 ERA despite some injury setbacks.
Beyond the main rotation, depth is thinner. Emerson Hancock is available but has struggled with low strikeout rates both in Triple-A (16.7%) and the majors (14.3%). Jhonathan Díaz and Blas Castano are on the 40-man roster, but Díaz has just 45 big-league innings, and Castano has yet to debut.
While Seattle’s core rotation is strong, the depth behind it raises questions. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto recently described trading a starter as the team’s “Plan Z,” highlighting their cautious approach to maintaining rotation depth. If injuries mount in 2025, Lawrence provides a veteran option to step in if needed.
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