Mariners Got a STEAL at #3: Insights into LHP Kade Anderson

The Seattle Mariners made an exciting move in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson from LSU with the third overall pick. This pick has the potential to be a franchise-defining moment, as Anderson brings a rare combination of talent, poise, and experience that could make him the Mariners’ next frontline starter. In this article, we'll explore Kade Anderson’s journey—from his dominant high school days, overcoming injury, to his breakout sophomore collegiate season—and break down what he offers on the mound, how the Mariners view him, and what his arrival could mean for Seattle’s pitching rotation in the near future.

The Journey of Kade Anderson: From Louisiana to LSU Stardom

Kade Anderson’s story begins in Louisiana, where he made a name for himself early on as one of the most promising pitching prospects in the country. Attending St. Paul's High School in Covington, Anderson dominated on the mound with an astounding 28-1 record, an eye-popping 0.22 ERA, and 212 strikeouts. But Anderson wasn’t just a force on the mound—he was also a legitimate threat at the plate, batting .481 with 120 hits and nine home runs throughout his high school career.

However, his path wasn’t without adversity. In April 2022, Anderson underwent Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for his entire senior year. Despite this setback, his talent was undeniable. Perfect Game ranked him as the No. 2 overall player in Louisiana for the class of 2023, No. 19 left-handed pitcher nationally, and No. 130 overall player in the country. This resilience and skill set made him a highly sought-after recruit heading into college.

Breakout at LSU: A Sophomore Season for the Ages

After recovering from surgery, Anderson finally took the mound for LSU in the 2024 season. As a freshman, he made 18 appearances (nine starts), posting a respectable 4-2 record with a 3.99 ERA and 59 strikeouts in 38⅓ innings. But it was his sophomore season in 2025 that cemented his status as one of the nation’s elite pitchers.

Anderson exploded onto the national stage, leading the country in innings pitched (119) and strikeouts (180). His 13.6 strikeouts per nine innings and 2.66 walks per nine innings speak volumes about his dominance and control. Over the course of the season, he compiled a 12-1 record with a 3.18 ERA and an impressive 1.059 WHIP.

One of the highlights of his season came during the College World Series finals against Coastal Carolina. Anderson pitched a complete game shutout, throwing nine innings, allowing just three hits and five walks, and striking out 10 batters while throwing 130 pitches. This performance earned him the College World Series Most Outstanding Player award and helped LSU secure the national championship.

His dominance wasn’t a one-off; 11 of his 19 starts featured double-digit strikeouts, including a complete game shutout against Oklahoma where he fanned 14 hitters. Anderson’s sophomore campaign was so impressive that he was named Baseball America’s College Pitcher of the Year, further validating his status as the top-rated starting pitcher in the 2025 draft class.

A Legacy of LSU Lefties: Following in Great Footsteps

Anderson’s success at LSU places him among an elite group of pitchers from the program who have gone high in the MLB draft. Recent LSU standouts like Paul Skenes, the 2023 first overall pick who led the nation in strikeouts, have set a precedent for success. Other LSU pitchers drafted in the top eight overall include Aaron Nola (2014), Kevin Gausman (2012), and Ben McDonald (1989).

This lineage of successful LSU pitchers points to the strength of the program and the quality of development Anderson has received. His path could follow in the footsteps of Skenes, who debuted in the majors less than a year after being drafted, signaling that Anderson’s rise to the big leagues could be swift.

The Arsenal: What Makes Kade Anderson So Special?

One of the key reasons scouts and analysts are so high on Anderson is his well-rounded pitch mix. He throws four pitches that are all considered plus offerings: a four-seam fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup.

• Fastball: Sitting between 92-94 mph, with a touch that can reach 97-98 mph, Anderson’s fastball is both powerful and deceptive.
• Slider: Mid-80s velocity, providing a sharp breaking pitch that complements his fastball well.
• Curveball and Changeup: Both in the lower 80s, these pitches add depth and variety, keeping hitters off balance.

At 6'2" and 180 pounds, Anderson’s stature and arsenal have drawn comparisons to pitchers like Max Fried and Cole Hamels—both known for their ability to combine command and pitch variety with strong mental makeup.

Insights from the Mariners Organization

The Mariners’ front office is equally enthusiastic about Anderson’s potential. Scott Hunter, the Mariners’ VP of Amateur Scouting, described Anderson as a mix of George Kirby and Logan Gilbert—two respected Mariners pitchers known for their poise and competitive nature. Hunter highlighted Anderson’s “silent competitor” mentality, noting that while he may not be the most vocal player, he speaks the right words and has a strong work ethic.

"He's got a combination of George Kirby and Logan Gilbert. He wants to learn, wants to develop his pitches like Logan, and he's kind of stoic like George is. Just that silent competitor that may not say a whole lot, but when you talk to him, he says the right things and what's important to us and what's important to him." – Scott Hunter

Hunter also revealed that Anderson was the top player on the Mariners’ board, and landing him at pick number three was even better than expected. The fact that Anderson fell to third overall was a surprise to many, with the Nationals selecting high school shortstop Eli Willets and the Angels taking college pitcher Tyler Brenner ahead of Seattle.

Contract Details and Financial Strategy

In terms of signing, Anderson agreed to a bonus of approximately $8.88 million, which is roughly $700,000 below the slot value for the third overall pick. This strategic move allows the Mariners to reallocate some of their bonus pool money—Seattle has a total bonus pool of just over $17 million, the second-highest in MLB behind the Baltimore Orioles—to invest in other promising prospects throughout their draft class.

What’s Next? Anderson’s Path to the Majors

One of the most exciting aspects of Anderson’s selection is the possibility that he could reach the major leagues faster than many expect. Because he was stretched out to 119 innings in college this past season, he is considered more seasoned and ready than many recent debutants.

To put it in perspective, Anderson is more stretched out than pitchers like Brian Woo and Bryce Miller were when they made their major league debuts. The Mariners believe he could be on an accelerated path, similar to Paul Skenes, who debuted less than a year after being drafted.

The Impact on the Mariners’ Rotation

Anderson’s arrival signals a bright future for Seattle’s rotation, especially with a polished lefty who has a high floor and frontline starter upside. Adding a left-handed starter to the mix is something the Mariners have been eager to do, and Anderson’s skill set fits perfectly with the team’s long-term plans.

As the Mariners look to strengthen their roster, the addition of Anderson could allow them to be more flexible with their current rotation. Whether that means trading a veteran starter or easing Anderson into the rotation over the course of next season, the potential for Seattle to have a formidable pitching staff is very real.

Final Thoughts

Kade Anderson’s selection at third overall in the 2025 MLB Draft is a major win for the Seattle Mariners. His dominant high school and college careers, combined with his advanced pitch arsenal and mature mentality, make him a player to watch closely. While an immediate impact in the majors this season may be unlikely, Anderson’s path to the big leagues looks promising and could begin as early as next year.

For Mariners fans, the excitement is palpable. Anderson’s presence could reshape the pitching staff and provide a cornerstone for years to come. As the Mariners prepare for the trade deadline and offseason, Anderson’s development will be a key storyline to follow.

What do you think? Is Kade Anderson ready for the MLB today? When do you expect him to join the Mariners’ rotation? And which pitcher do you think the Mariners might trade to make room for this promising lefty? Share your thoughts and join the conversation!