With the Seattle Mariners in a fight for a playoff spot in the American League, another young starter will look to give the M’s a boost in the rotation. Twenty-three-old Bryan Woo has been summoned from Arkansas to make this MLB debut this weekend. So, what should you expect from Woo? Let’s take a look.
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A Look at Woo
On the same college team as former first-round pick Brooks Lee, former Cal Poly product Bryce Woo’s numbers in college were not as gaudy as Lee. In his junior season at Cal Poly, Woo posted a 6.11 ERA, but did strike out an impressive 42 batters over 28 innings. Despite a limited track record as a starter — Woo made just six starts at Cal Poly — the M’s plucked Woo in the sixth round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
Since being selected by the Mariners, Woo has put himself on the fast track. After he recovered from Tommy John surgery, the 23-year-old struck out 84 batters over his 57 innings as a pro in 2022. This season with Arkansas (AA), Woo posted a gorgeous 2.05 ERA with 59 strikeouts over 44 innings. Opposing hitters had just a .174 average against Woo in AA.
Woo owns an impressive four-seam fastball, one that reportedly can sit in the mid-90s. Just from watching it on video, though, one can see the finish and life he has on his heater. It’s an impressive pitch, to say the least.
The 23-year-old also has a slider and changeup, both of which are weapons that he can play off the fastball. MLB.com projects all three to be at least above-average.
Woo will become the second player from the Mariners’ 2021 MLB Draft class to make it to the Majors. Seattle promoted Woo’s former Arkansas teammate in youngster Bryce Miller to the Majors earlier this year. Miller’s had success early on, as he owned a 3.00 ERA and struck out 31 over 36 innings.
Woo will take the place of Mariners LHP Marco Gonzales in the rotation. The young right-hander will face Rangers lefty Andrew Heaney in his MLB debut.
A Look at the Mariners Rotation
Despite a limited track record above A ball, Woo showed that AA was no match for him. The M’s struck gold with Miller when he was promoted up to the Majors and now the team will hope that Woo can deliver similar results.
There was some concern about the M’s depth after Robbie Ray went down to season-ending surgery. Chris Flexen could not hold his own in the rotation, while Easton McGee went down after one solid start. On the other hand, Seattle’s received fantastic production from George Kirby and Luis Castillo, as well as the aforementioned Miller. However, Logan Gilbert and Marco Gonzales have both struggled.
Let’s quickly end this off with Woo’s fantasy outlook. Woo’s first test in the Majors won’t be easy, as he’s set to face the Rangers in Texas. If you’re looking to grab a spot starter, let’s just say we’re wary in general about young pitchers making their bow in the Majors. But if he shows that he can stick, he might be worth a stash.
