Kade Anderson Shines in Futures Game

A Rare Window Into Prospect Action

The Futures Game, a de‑facto All‑Star showcase for minor‑leaguers, slipped under the radar because MLB does a poor job marketing its own product. It coincided with the second day of a 16‑round MLB Draft and the final day of the Mariners’ “Road Trip From Hell,” all lining up early on a Sunday in the western United States around 9 a.m. Pacific Time. The event streamed on Peacock while a helicopter hovered near the mound, adding an extra layer of oddity to the broadcast. The American League squad emerged victorious, defeating the National League 6‑1. For anyone who missed the game, it was a missed opportunity to watch the next wave of MLB talent.

Kade Anderson’s Ten‑Pitch Masterclass

Kade Anderson, the AL’s opening pitcher, needed just ten pitches to record his lone inning of work. Six of those offerings were counted as strikes, but two pitches that sat at the bottom of the zone were incorrectly called balls by plate umpire Alex Shears, a decision that drew quick commentary. Despite the missed calls, Anderson kept the NL lineup in check, coaxing weak contact popouts and a cleanly fielded comebacker. The low‑profile nature of the contest meant his sharp efficiency went largely unnoticed. The in‑game audio captured the helicopter’s noise, creating a surreal backdrop for a pitching performance that was anything but dull.

Seth Hernandez Takes Center Stage

Seth Hernandez later took the mound and produced a clean 1‑2‑3 frame, striking out two batters while his fastball touched 101 mph. His outing highlighted the depth of the AL roster and reminded fans why he is considered a top prospect in the Mariners’ system. While Anderson’s brief stint might have been overlooked, Hernandez’s work demonstrated electric arm speed that can dominate at higher levels. Some observers noted that Hernandez might have been a Mariner had the Angels chosen him over other late picks in the 2025 draft, underscoring the draft’s unpredictability.

Ryan Sloan’s Evolution Of The Pitching Arsenal

Ryan Sloan entered the contest in the fifth inning with the AL already up 6‑1, but his self‑assessment was less about the score than his command. He flashed plus‑velo fastballs reaching 100 mph, yet missed the zone with several of them, prompting a deeper dive into his secondary stuff. Sloan leaned on his cutter to force groundouts against Cubs prospect Josiah Hartshorn and Giants prospect Gavin Kilen, and he used a sweeper to induce a flyout from the Brewers’ Jesus Made. The contrast between his earlier spring performance—where he relied heavily on his heater—and this outing illustrated his growing versatility. Sloan’s ability to adapt his arsenal against more advanced hitters, many of whom he faced at today’s event, signals continued growth.

Putting the Performance In Prospect Context

Anderson’s spring showcase had been a rough note: he walked four batters, gave up a three‑run homer on a hanging slider, and watched Ryan Sloan pitch three perfect innings that day. The poor outing briefly dented his prospect ranking, with some outlets dubbing Sloan the true ace of Seattle’s system. However, Anderson’s current Double‑A season has been the antithesis of that debacle, as he has stacked strikeout numbers while trimming his walk rate from college levels. Today’s Futures Game finish serves as a validation of that turnaround and positions him as a legitimate top‑tier pitching prospect. Even if the Mariners’ front office passes on him in the upcoming draft, his performance suggests he would still attract interest from multiple organizations.