According to an ESPN report this morning, just 23 hours ago he was reported to be in conference, stating that he was interested in a contract extension with the Seattle Mariners, following his reason for turning down the New York Yankees 3-year, $78.7 million contract deal. Just 3 minutes ago, as confirmed and announced by the Seattle Mariners head coach, it is heartbreaking to announce that the franchise designated hitter is set to terminate his contract as he offers the Seattle Mariners $36.7 million for his contract to be terminated due to….

The Mariners breakout that could create a surprising problem in 2025
The Mariners will be on a collision course with a pitching surplus if Emerson Hancock finds his footing.

As soon as the Seattle Mariners shut down George Kirby with inflammation in his throwing shoulder, there was a clear favorite to fill in for him in the rotation. Yet if there wasn’t then, there’s an interesting hypothetical hanging in the air right now.

What if Emerson Hancock proves to be better than a mere placeholder?

That he’s going to get his shot as Seattle’s No. 5 starter is no longer theoretical. As Adam Jude of the Seattle Times reported Wednesday, the 25-year-old righty has earned it, not to mention a proper blessing from manager Dan Wilson.

“He’s really had a good camp. I think he’s really taken a step forward here,” Wilson said, per Jude. “He has attacked the zone and really has gotten comfortable with the stuff that he has and how he’s going to use it, and it’s really made the difference for him.”

Hancock seems ready to turn a corner
Simply by virtue of having been the team’s No. 6 pick in the 2020 draft, Hancock has been A Guy in the Mariners organization for a while. He just hasn’t been A Guy in the chances he’s gotten in the majors, producing a 4.71 ERA in 15 starts.