Pirates trade Caleb Ferguson to Mariners

The Seattle Mariners bolstered their bullpen Wednesday by acquiring left-hander Caleb Ferguson from the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for pitching prospect Jeter Martinez.

"We are excited to add Caleb and fortify our bullpen down the stretch," general manager Justin Hollander said. "He's been one of the most reliable left-handed relievers in the game and adds postseason experience to our group."

Ferguson arrived in West Sacramento from San Francisco - where the Pirates were playing the Giants - in time for Seattle's game against the Athletics, and will be available to his new team. Right-hander Jackson Kowar was optioned to Triple-A after Ferguson was activated.

To make room for Ferguson on the 40-man roster, the Mariners reinstated right-hander Collin Snider from the injured list and designated him for assignment.

Ferguson, 28, joined the Pirates on a one-year, $3-million deal this offseason. He's enjoyed a solid campaign in their bullpen, posting a 3.74 ERA, 3.14 FIP, and 1.08 WHIP with 34 strikeouts and just one home run allowed over 43 1/3 innings. While his 2.9 BB/9 rate is his lowest since the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, he also owns a career-worst 7.1 K/9 rate that's down four full batters from 2024.

The Mariners were in need of another left-handed reliever, as Gabe Speier was the only southpaw in their bullpen. Ferguson will be an important weapon for manager Dan Wilson in this regard, as he's held left-handed hitters to a meager .439 OPS this season.

Ferguson is Seattle's second midseason addition ahead of Thursday's deadline after acquiring first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks last week.

Martinez, a 19-year-old right-hander, was ranked as the Mariners' No. 13 prospect by MLB Pipeline prior to the trade. The native of Mexico owns a 6.18 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with 60 strikeouts and 38 walks over 16 starts at Low-A Modesto this season.