Seattle Mariners non-tender former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher, now a free agent
Photo credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Trent Thornton has been non-tendered by the Seattle Mariners.
Prior to the injury, Thornton posted five holds along with a 4.68 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 32:14 K:BB across 42.1 innings while operating out of the bullpen.
A few particularly rough blowups have inflated his ERA, but his 17.8% strikeout rate is well below Thornton’s 26.2 K% from 2024.
Since coming to the Mariners in a trade from the Blue Jays prior to the 2023 deadline, Thornton has been a workhorse out of Seattle’s pen, with a 3.65 ERA over 140 2/3 innings.
Trent Thornton, Frisbee 79mph Sweeper. 🥏 21 inches of horizontal break.
Thornton’s injury may impact his ability to sign with a team early in 2026
He is making $2MM in 2025 and could be retained for 2026 via arbitration. Given his health uncertainty, it’s not entirely surprising the Mariners decide to non-tender him.
Thornton’s expected timeline to recover was estimated as 6-to-8 months after undergoing surgery in August, which will impact his availability for spring training should he sign with a team.
There is a slim chance that the Mariners bring back Thornton because he is a beloved personality among their bullpen.
Possibly a Minors contract or a less costly deal, as he’s expected to return at some point in 2026.
Previously on Blue Jays Central
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