Matt Brash

Brash was a workhorse for Seattle last season, establishing career-highs in games played (78) and innings (70.2). He was 2nd among qualified relievers with 107 strikeouts and 8th with a 34.7% strikeout rate and 25.3% K-BB%. The 25-year-old's 9.4% walk percentage was below-average (34th percentile), but a significant improvement over 2022's 14.9% mark. Brash's improved control was likely a big factor in him earning more high-leverage opportunities. He primarily settled into a setup role and racked up a career-best 25 holds, 9 wins and 4 saves. Brash threw far more sliders (50.5% usage) last season, a +12.7 percent difference in usage from 2022. It continues to be his most successful offering (.162 BAA, 48.5% whiff), while his secondaries could still use some work despite adding velocity on his 4-seamer (98.1 mph average). It's clear Brash is most successful as a reliever, so expect him to maintain a late-inning role for the Mariners in 2024. Read Past Outlooks