Kade Anderson, widely regarded as the “Next Paul Skenes MLB prospect,” was picked by the Seattle Mariners during the 2025 MLB Draft, stirring excitement among fans and baseball insiders alike. Arriving in Seattle to finalize his contract, Anderson shared unexpected remarks about the city that caught many by surprise.
Unexpected Reaction from Mariners’ Top Draft Pick Upon Arrival in Seattle
The 21-year-old southpaw from Madisonville, Louisiana, instantly drew attention not only for his pitching skills but also for his candid admission about his unfamiliarity with Seattle’s location. While visiting the city to sign his professional contract, Anderson expressed,
“I knew, kind of, a little bit of where it was, but had to really make sure. Since I’ve been here, the weather has really shocked me how nice it is here. Super excited to get to learn the area… excited to just venture. I got to go to the fish market and do all of the cool Seattle things and learn what Seattle’s all about.”
—Kade Anderson
This unexpected confession sparked widespread buzz among fans and baseball enthusiasts, who found his genuine reaction both charming and entertaining as the young athlete begins adapting to a new city and professional environment.
Kade Anderson’s Stellar College Career Sets High Expectations
Before entering the MLB Draft, Anderson made a significant impact at LSU during the 2025 season. He finished with an outstanding 12-1 record and maintained a 3.18 ERA across 119 innings, leading Division I with 180 strikeouts in the regular season. His performance in the College World Series was even more remarkable, posting an extraordinary 0.56 ERA and earning the Most Outstanding Player award.
On a historical note, Anderson ranks third in LSU’s single-season strikeout records, trailing only the renowned Paul Skenes and Hall of Famer Ben McDonald. This statistical legacy played a key role in igniting comparisons between Anderson and Skenes, raising expectations about his potential trajectory in professional baseball.
Why Kade Anderson Is Considered the New Paul Skenes
The parallels between Anderson and Paul Skenes extend beyond their impressive LSU statistics. Anderson possesses a well-rounded pitching arsenal, featuring a fastball that regularly reaches the low to mid-90s and can touch 97 mph. His repertoire also includes a slider, changeup, and curveball, all delivered with precision and strategic intent.
Both pitchers share qualities coveted by the Mariners: excellent control, durability, and a relentless competitive spirit. While Anderson may currently be projected as a mid-rotation starter rather than an immediate ace, his foundational skills show promise for continued development and long-term success. The Tigers’ head coach highlighted their shared mindset, saying,
“Probably the biggest similarity that I see is that they would go out, have an outstanding outing on Friday, and then by Saturday morning, they were immediately talking about what they were going to do better the next week. And that’s really, really uncommon when you go 7 innings, 1 run and strike out like 11, 12 or 13. But both Paul and Kade have that.”
—Tigers’ Head Coach
Seattle Mariners’ Enthusiasm Surrounding Anderson’s Signing
The Mariners expressed strong confidence after securing Anderson’s signing for $8.8 million, slightly below the slot value, which allowed the team financial flexibility for other draft selections. The atmosphere at T-Mobile Park was electric as fans and management celebrated what they believe to be a critical addition to their pitching staff.
During the signing press conference, Anderson recounted a memorable moment when star catcher Cal Raleigh reached out, saying,
“At T‑Mobile Park, Cal Raleigh reached out, which right now is probably the coolest guy in the league to get a text from.”
—Kade Anderson
This budding connection between Raleigh and Anderson is seen as a foundation for a formidable battery, raising optimism for Seattle’s pitching future. Jerry Dipoto, the Mariners’ president of baseball operations, praised Anderson’s polished abilities, stating,
“He’s already pitched at the highest level… so the early part of his journey should be less about trying to build a foundation.”
—Jerry Dipoto
Focused Preparation for a Promising MLB Career
Although Anderson will not pitch during the 2025 season following an intense college workload, the Mariners have devised a comprehensive recovery and training plan for him. He will undergo rest and rehabilitation in Arizona, supported by a tailored diet and conditioning program to prepare for his professional debut in the 2026 season.
Scott Hunter, the Mariners’ VP of amateur scouting, emphasized the importance of this period, observing,
“Just getting him some rest to rebuild and be prepared for his first Spring Training will be the biggest thing for him.”
—Scott Hunter
Kade Anderson’s Attitude Reflects Commitment and Growth
Despite the fanfare surrounding his arrival and talent, Anderson remains grounded and focused on steady improvement. He remarked on his approach, stating,
“I’m dedicated to the plan the Mariners have for me, I think if you take it day‑by‑day, it kind of makes it easier and you never get too far ahead of yourself. … There’s always room for improvement in every area.”
—Kade Anderson
As Anderson continues to acclimate to Seattle—from exploring local landmarks like the fish market to building camaraderie in the clubhouse—the Mariners’ front office, coaching staff, and veteran players like Cal Raleigh are eager to see how his career unfolds.
Implications for the Mariners and Fans Moving Forward
The selection of Kade Anderson represents a critical step for the Mariners in strengthening their pitching prospects with high-caliber talent rooted in toughness and advanced skill. His association with a legacy player like Paul Skenes raises hopes that Anderson will evolve into a reliable asset on the mound.
With careful management of his development and recovery, Anderson is positioned to make a strong impact starting next season, offering Seattle fans a fresh source of excitement and optimism. His genuine reactions and humble attitude only deepen the connection between the player and the city, promising an engaging journey ahead for all involved.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has anyone found the Paul Skenes?
A. An 11-year-old collector in California discovered a unique Paul Skenes baseball card. The Pirates wanted this card in exchange for home plate season tickets for 30 years.
Q. How much is Paul Skenes getting paid?
A. Paul Skenes joined the major leagues in 2024 after progressing through MLB’s farm system. He received a $9.2 million signing bonus in 2023. In 2024, he signed a one-year deal with the Pirates, earning a yearly salary of $740,000 before arbitration.
Q. How much did Paul Skenes get?
A. Paul Skenes, a key pitcher for the Pirates, has a contract worth $9.2 million.
Q. How much does Paul Skenes get paid?
A. Paul Skenes agreed to a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates worth $875,000, with the full amount guaranteed. His average yearly salary is also $875,000. In 2025, Skenes will receive a base and total salary of $875,000. This information comes from trustworthy MLB contract details.