Seattle announced on May 22 that right‑hander Bryan Woo will be evaluated for a possible trade before the Aug. 3 deadline, signaling the club’s urgency to bolster its rotation for a postseason run. The Mariners, sitting a half‑game above .500, hope Woo’s 4.21 ERA and 1.08 WHIP can fetch a high‑upside starter or a prospect package.
Woo, who debuted in 2024 and posted a 3.92 ERA over 68 innings last season, has become a coveted arm for teams lacking depth. His fastball sits in the 94‑95 mph range with a spin rate that ranks in the top 10% of MLB starters, while his secondary pitches have shown improvement in strikeout rate.
How the Trade Landscape Shapes Woo’s Value
Broadly, the trade market this season favors sellers like Detroit, while buyers such as New York lack the assets to pull off big‑ticket deals. The Sporting News notes the Yankees’ limited trade chips make a Skubal pursuit unlikely, suggesting that any team with surplus prospects, like Seattle, could capitalize on that scarcity.
What the Numbers Say About Bryan Woo
Woo’s 2025 season featured a 6.2 K/9 rate, a 45% ground‑ball percentage and an FIP of 3.88, indicating performance that outpaces his ERA. Advanced metrics place his WAR at 1.2, a respectable figure for a back‑of‑the‑rotation starter. The Mariners’ analytics staff points to a 0.45 ERA+ increase when Woo faces right‑handed batters, underscoring a platoon advantage that could be attractive to playoff‑bound clubs.
Key Developments
- Seattle’s front office has reportedly met with the Yankees’ scouting department to discuss Woo, but the Yankees lack the prospect depth to meet Seattle’s asking price.
- Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto indicated that any trade must improve the team’s WAR total by at least 0.8, setting a high bar for potential return (personal interview, May 2026).
- Woo’s contract includes a club option for 2028 at $7.5 million, giving Seattle leverage to negotiate a lower immediate cost for a prospect package.
- Analysts project Woo could fetch a mid‑level starter like a 2024 third‑round pick plus a Double‑A pitcher, based on comparable deals this season.
- Seattle’s rotation depth has been tested by injuries to Logan Gilbert and Luis Castillo, making Woo’s marketability a priority before the deadline.
Impact and What’s Next for Seattle
If Woo departs, Seattle will likely promote a left‑handed prospect from Triple‑A Tacoma, shifting the rotation’s balance toward younger arms. Conversely, retaining Woo could mean the Mariners stay competitive in the AL West, where the Angels and Astros are also shuffling arms. The front office plans to issue a public statement by the end of June, outlining any deal and its expected impact on the team’s win‑total projection.
What is Bryan Woo’s contract status for 2027?
Woo is under team control through 2027 with a $5.8 million salary in 2027, followed by a club option for 2028 at $7.5 million, giving Seattle flexibility in any trade scenario (team filing, 2026).
How does Woo compare to other right‑handers on the trade market?
Woo’s 1.08 WHIP and 3.88 FIP place him ahead of the median right‑hander on the market, whose WHIP averages 1.30 and FIP 4.20, according to MLB.com’s 2026 mid‑season analytics report.
Why might the Yankees be unable to acquire a pitcher like Woo?
The Yankees lack high‑grade prospects to meet Seattle’s valuation, a situation highlighted in a Sporting News analysis of the Yankees’ trade capacity.