The Seattle Mariners are reportedly adding veteran right-handed pitcher Dane Dunning to their minor league ranks, according to Chris Cotillo of MassLive.com. This move comes as a surprise to many, given Dunning's recent performance and history with the AL West rival Texas Rangers.
Dunning, 31, spent five seasons with the Rangers, making 95 starts and appearing in 122 games from 2021 to 2025. However, his performance last season was less than impressive, with a combined 6.97 ERA over 12 relief appearances between the Rangers and Atlanta Braves. Despite this, Dunning has a strong track record, particularly in 2023, when he finished 12-7 with a 3.70 ERA in 35 games, including 26 starts. His performance in the World Series, where he pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings, further solidified his value.
The 6-foot-4, 225-pound pitcher has been versatile, splitting time between starting and relieving roles in 2023 and exclusively pitching out of the bullpen in 2025. However, he spent the majority of the 2025 season in Triple-A, starting in 14 of 18 games. Dunning's journey began with the Washington Nationals in the 2016 MLB Draft, where he was selected 29th overall. He was quickly traded to the Chicago White Sox and became a highly-ranked prospect leading up to his MLB debut in 2020.
In December 2020, Dunning was traded by the White Sox to the Rangers for former All-Star pitcher Lance Lynn. Last July, he was dealt by the Rangers to the Atlanta Braves for pitcher José Ruiz and cash. This move to the minors could be a strategic decision by the Mariners, as they aim to strengthen their pitching depth and potentially prepare Dunning for a future role in the major league rotation.
The addition of Dunning is part of a busy offseason for the Seattle Mariners, who have also signed prospects and established players to bolster their roster. With high hopes for new relievers and a focus on improving their pitching staff, the Mariners are making significant moves to strengthen their position in the AL West division.
