Seattle's Rollercoaster Ride with Casey Lawrence

In a surprising turn of events, the Seattle Mariners have officially announced that right-handed pitcher Casey Lawrence has once again cleared waivers following his latest designation for assignment (DFA). Now, he’s set to be outrighted to Triple-A Tacoma.

A Stream of Designations: Casey's Bumpy Ride

Lawrence, now facing the prospect of rejecting this latest assignment to test free agency, finds himself in a complicated situation. The reality is, after being designated for assignment by the Mariners an astounding four times in just six weeks—plus another stint with the Toronto Blue Jays—his decision doesn't seem to significantly impact his future with the organization. Remarkably, every time he’s been DFA’d, he’s returned to the Mariners.

The Unconventional Journey of a 37-Year-Old Veteran

Throughout 2025, Lawrence has cycled through the Mariners’ roster, showcasing his resilience as an unofficial 41st player on the 40-man roster. Whenever the big leagues require some extra depth in the bullpen, Lawrence gets the call, only to quickly find himself on waivers again. At 37, he’s developed a solid rapport with the organization and feels right at home in the Tacoma area, where he pitched the entire 2024 season for the Mariners’ Triple-A team.

Stats That Speak Volumes: Mixed Bag Performance

In 2025 alone, Lawrence has made appearances in six MLB games—five with Seattle and one with Toronto—contributing 17 2/3 innings in a long relief role. His performance reflects a 4.08 ERA, with his time in Seattle yielding a commendable 3.00 ERA across 15 innings. However, his average fastball velocity of just 88 mph and a low 8.8% strikeout rate raise eyebrows. Yet, impressive control is his strong suit, having walked only one batter out of 80 faced (1.3%).

Counting the Days: A Blessing in Disguise

Despite the unconventional path he’s taken to make a living in baseball, Lawrence has accumulated 23 days of Major League service this year. Even at the league-minimum pay scale—and likely with a bit more from the Mariners—he’s already raked in over $96,000 in big league earnings, not including minor league pay. If he continues his pattern of short stints, he stands to earn a significantly better income than your typical mid-30s journeyman, despite the bizarre nature of his career trajectory.

What Lies Ahead for Casey?

As Lawrence gears up for another stint in Tacoma, fans are left pondering: Is this the final chapter of his saga with the Mariners, or will he rise once more to the big leagues? One thing's for sure—Casey Lawrence's journey continues to captivate! Expect more from this determined pitcher as he navigates the ups and downs of professional baseball.