Imagine this: It's 2028, and the Seattle Mariners are poised to unveil their next big star. But who will it be? With one of baseball's most enviable farm systems, the Mariners have consistently churned out talent like Julio Rodriguez and Cal Raleigh, and their pipeline shows no signs of drying up. Youngsters like Colt Emerson and Lazaro Montez are already turning heads, but MLB experts are already looking further down the road—specifically, to 2028. And here’s where it gets exciting: they’ve pinpointed a name that has everyone buzzing.
A recent ranking of future top prospects across all organizations has crowned 20-year-old right-handed starter Ryan Sloan as the Mariners' likely standout for 2028. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Sloan truly the next big thing, or are there other hidden gems in the system waiting to steal the spotlight?** The Mariners certainly believe in his potential, going over slot to sign him for $3 million in the second round of the 2024 Draft. MLB.com highlights his exceptional feel for pitching and sky-high ceiling, noting that he could develop three plus pitches with above-average control across the board. His first full year in pro ball was nothing short of impressive, earning a promotion to High-A despite being on a carefully managed workload.
Sloan’s journey began at York Community High School in Elmhurst, Illinois, where he dominated during his senior season, posting a jaw-dropping 0.30 ERA and 90 strikeouts in just 46 innings. That performance earned him the title of Illinois Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, and the Mariners wasted no time snagging him as the 55th overall pick in the 2024 Draft. Even in 2025, as a teenager, Sloan continued to impress in the minors, recording a 3.73 ERA and 90 strikeouts over 82 innings. While he’s expected to join camp before the 2027 season, the Mariners are in no rush to push him. With a solid young rotation already in place, they’re giving him the time to mature—a luxury not every team can afford.
And this is the part most people miss: Sloan’s development isn’t just about his stats; it’s about how he fits into the Mariners’ long-term strategy. With a deep farm system and a patient approach, the Mariners are building something special. But the question remains: Will Sloan live up to the hype, or will another prospect emerge to challenge his throne? Only time will tell. What do you think? Is Ryan Sloan the Mariners' future ace, or is there another name we should be watching? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
