Pitcher Jesse Hahn #32 of the Kansas City Royals
In a move to bolster their pitching depth, the Seattle Mariners have signed veteran right-hander Jesse Hahn to a minor league contract, assigning him to Triple-A Tacoma. This transaction was first reported by Rainiers’ broadcaster Mike Curto.
Hahn, 35, is on a quest to return to Major League Baseball after a three-year hiatus. His journey back has been fraught with challenges, including a significant shoulder injury that sidelined him from affiliated ball between 2022 and 2023. He briefly returned to Triple-A last season with the Dodgers, where he logged 41 2/3 innings with a 4.54 ERA. Despite showcasing a strong 24.2% strikeout rate and a robust 58% ground ball rate, Hahn’s control issues—highlighted by an alarming 18% walk rate—undermined his performance.
The extended absence from the majors and inconsistent command have been recurring themes for Hahn. His MLB career, which includes stints with the Royals, Padres, and A’s, is marked by a 4.22 ERA over seven seasons. During his time with the Royals from 2019 to 2021, Hahn struggled with walks, issuing 18 free passes in just 25 1/3 innings, which contributed to a 4.62 ERA.
For the Mariners, Hahn represents a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition. While his major league career has been uneven, the Mariners are hoping that Hahn can find stability in Triple-A and provide a reliable arm if called upon in the big leagues. His experience and ability to generate ground balls could prove valuable, especially if he can improve his command.
As Hahn joins the Rainiers, the Mariners will be closely monitoring his performance. If he can demonstrate better control and continue to utilize his ground-ball skills effectively, he could earn a spot on the Mariners’ roster as they navigate the final stretch of the season. For now, Hahn’s path back to the majors will continue through Tacoma, where he aims to reclaim his spot in the big leagues.
