Fansided · Aug 22, 2025
Mariners' infamous 2020 draft bust may be the key to unlocking their bullpen
Emerson Hancock hasn’t lived up to the starter hype, but his recent bullpen outing could hint at a new, valuable future with the Mariners.
Kansas City Royals v Seattle Mariners | Alika Jenner/GettyImagesIt’s not the move anyone saw coming, but it just might work. The Seattle Mariners are experimenting with 2020 first-rounder Emerson Hancock in a bullpen role, and it could end up being a game-changer.
Hancock worked an inning in relief for Triple-A Tacoma on Wednesday, a rare sight for the right-hander who’s flashing some intriguing stuff. He touched 96.8 mph and notched a strikeout. And while he gave up a run on two hits, it was less about the results and more about the possibilities.