Arkansas Travelers Unveil 2026 Roster Featuring Mariners’ Untapped Pitching Phenoms Set to Shake Up the Game

The Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle Mariners’ Triple-A team, are already hitting their stride this season (Max’s recap on the Opening Weekend is a must-read). Meanwhile, the Mariners’ Double-A squad, the Arkansas Travelers, is gearing up to launch their campaign on home turf at Dickey-Stephens Park come April 7. The excitement doesn’t stop there — the Travs have revealed their 2026 roster, and the buzz centers on two of Seattle’s brightest pitching stars: left-hander Kade Anderson and right-hander Ryan Sloan. Both are bypassing High-A Everett altogether to start right in Double-A — a critical stepping stone toward the majors. Anderson, fresh off a College World Series title at LSU and a first-round draft pick, boasts a refined, sophisticated pitching arsenal that justifies the jump. It’s a savvy move reminiscent of Blue Jays’ Trey Yesavage’s meteoric ascent; Anderson could very well find himself pitching in the big leagues by year’s end. Sloan’s direct promotion to Double-A is a bolder call. The 20-year-old high school draftee from Chicago impressed so much in spring training — capped by a dominant showing against the Brewers’ top affiliate — that the Mariners are fast-tracking him to face tougher, seasoned hitters. Alongside them, prospects Michael Arroyo and Lazaro Montes return to Arkansas, both looking to bounce back after a challenging previous season in a tough hitting environment. Dive deeper into the full roster and discover the prospects poised to make waves this season. LEARN MORE