Mariners and Dane Dunning Agree to Minor League Contract: A Chance for Redemption
The Seattle Mariners have signed right-handed pitcher Dane Dunning to a minor league contract, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive. Dunning, a former first-round draft pick, is looking to bounce back from a disappointing season. He made only 12 big league appearances, posting a 6.93 ERA across 20.2 innings out of the bullpen for the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers.
Dunning, 31, has primarily been a starter throughout his career, but he struggled in the major leagues. His ERA in Triple-A Tacoma was more respectable at 4.67, with a league-average strikeout percentage of 21.6% and a 7.6% walk rate over 69.3 innings. Dunning held a rotation spot for the Rangers from 2021-2023, pitching a career-high 172.2 innings with a 3.70 ERA in 2023, the year they reached the World Series.
Despite not possessing elite velocity or strikeout ability, Dunning is known for his solid control and ability to avoid hard contact during his best seasons. However, home runs have been a growing concern over the past two years. Dunning can provide depth as a long reliever or starter in Triple-A Tacoma, but his chances of making the Opening Day roster are slim, especially with Seattle's strong starting five and a bullpen that has most of its options in the minors.
The Mariners' rotation depth beyond their top five starters is limited. Logan Evans and Emerson Hancock, who have struggled at the MLB level, are the next in line. Evans has a 4.32 ERA with below-average strikeout stuff in his first 16 appearances, while Hancock, who was used in short relief by the end of last season, has a near 5.00 ERA in 31 career starts. The 40-man roster also includes rookie Blas Castaño and swingman Jhonathan Diaz, providing some additional depth.
This move by the Mariners could be seen as a strategic addition to their minor league system, offering Dunning a chance to rebuild his confidence and showcase his skills. With a strong starting rotation and a bullpen that has most of its options in the minors, the Mariners are likely looking for depth and potential trade chips. Dunning's ability to provide long relief or start in Triple-A Tacoma makes him a valuable asset, and his experience at the major league level could be a significant advantage.
