In a significant move that has caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts, the Mariners have acquired right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta from the Cincinnati Reds. With spring training just around the corner, this acquisition marks an important step in the Mariners' journey to strengthen their pitching lineup. For those who might not recall, Zulueta was originally signed by the Toronto Blue Jays out of Cuba in 2019, utilizing some of the bonus pool space they received from the Kendrys Morales trade—a nostalgic moment for fans of the team.
This trade might leave some fans feeling a bit disheartened, especially those who were hoping for a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals involving players like Brendan Donovan or Lars Nootbar. Ken Rosenthal stirred the pot recently, leading to increased speculation and perhaps fueling the offseason chatter about potential trades. It’s a classic case of the offseason buzz that keeps everyone on their toes! But back to Zulueta—pronounced YOZE-ver zoo-loo-etta, which is a fun name to say. For those eagerly awaiting more detailed insights, stay tuned as we plan to provide an in-depth analysis of his capabilities later in the offseason.
Zulueta joins the Mariners after the Reds claimed him off waivers when the Blue Jays designated him for assignment at the beginning of the 2024 season. His availability came about after the Reds secured Pierce Johnson on a one-year contract, effectively opening up a spot for Zulueta. Over the past couple of years, he has seen limited action in Major League Baseball, bouncing between Cincinnati and their Triple-A affiliate, Louisville, often referred to as a Quad-A player—someone stuck between minor and major league levels.
What stands out about Zulueta is his pitching style; he predominantly throws a sinker-slider combination, which leads to a high number of strikeouts. However, like many pitchers, he struggles with command, often having difficulty consistently hitting his spots. This is likely where the Mariners' coaching staff sees potential for improvement. Given his intriguing skill set, there are several facets of his game that could be developed further.
To finalize this trade, the Mariners sent Dusty Revis, a promising 11th-round pick from 2025, to the Reds in return. Revis is well-known locally for his time as a standout player on the Western Carolina Catamounts, which is also notable for being the former coaching team of Cal Raleigh's dad, who even had a young Cal as a bat boy. Although Revis hasn’t yet made his professional debut after being drafted, here’s what Max, our draft expert, noted about him:
"Revis, standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 200 pounds, had a solid season as a starter for the Catamounts, boasting a 4.04 ERA. He primarily relies on a fastball-slider combo that favors generating ground balls over striking out batters. He shows good movement on the mound and can frequently hit the mid-90s with his fastball. With a robust 82.1 innings pitched this season, he has the potential to be used as a multi-inning reliever. However, his skill set might be best utilized in shorter appearances, making him an appealing option for a bullpen role. Revis will turn 22 soon, and we expect him to begin logging innings in either Modesto or the ACL shortly after signing."
It's worth noting that the Mariners' 40-man roster was full prior to acquiring Zulueta, which necessitated parting ways with Samad Taylor. This change means that the number 0 jersey is once again open for the Mariners. Taylor had an impressive season with Triple-A Tacoma but struggled to secure a permanent spot on the major league roster, often being overlooked in favor of Miles Mastrobuoni. His versatility, speed, and excellent performance at Tacoma make him a desirable asset for other teams facing less restrictive roster situations. Additionally, his vibrant personality—always ready with a joke, engaging in song and dance, and uplifting his teammates—will undoubtedly make him a beloved figure in any clubhouse he joins.
