Mariners Claim and Quickly DFA Former Top Prospect Tyler Jay
The Seattle Mariners made an intriguing transaction on January 9, 2025, when they claimed left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay off waivers. Initially viewed as a depth move—providing the bullpen with another southpaw who could offer some upside—Jay’s tenure with the Mariners was short-lived. Days later Seattle designated him for assignment following the acquisition of right-hander Will Klein via trade. The expectation was that Jay would clear waivers, which he ultimately did, giving the Mariners the chance to outright him to Triple-A Tacoma. Jay elected free agency instead, opting to test the open market.
Jay, once a highly regarded prospect, was selected sixth overall by the Minnesota Twins in the 2015 MLB Draft. With a dynamic arsenal, he was projected to be a frontline starter or high-leverage reliever at the big-league level. However, injuries derailed his development, preventing him from ever fully reaching projected expectations. Jay has shown flashes of success in the upper minors but has struggled to secure a consistent role in the majors.
For the Mariners, a team that leans heavily on right-handed pitching, Jay’s brief presence felt like all intentions of an experiment. His track record suggests he may still have value as a left-handed specialist in the right situation, but with Seattle’s bullpen depth and reliance on power righties, his fit was questionable at best. Ultimately, Jay’s decision to pursue free agency speaks to a desire for a clearer path to the majors—one that perhaps another organization can provide.
