In a surprising and touching twist in the 2025–26 winter trade market, Casey Lawrence — the 38-year-old pitcher who played for the Toronto Blue Jays last season — has been re-signed by the Mariners, opening up the opportunity for the “struggling veteran” to once again hit the mound in a new era.

Appearing in just six MLB games in the 2025 season — a significant increase from zero in 2019–2021 — Lawrence returns with a no-quit mentality. Last season, he pitched 17⅔ innings, posting a 4.08 ERA; with the Mariners, his ERA was 3.00 in 15 innings.

Casey Lawrence may not be a household name, but his story is enough to touch any MLB fan. Debuting in 2017, after years of struggling, bouncing between majors and minors — even missing a three-season call-up — he stuck around, moving on with a new minor-league contract from the Mariners at the end of 2025.

Just six appearances — but those are six more chances to fight back against fate. With his iron discipline and unyielding fighting spirit, Lawrence has shown that anyone can be reborn in baseball. The Mariners, while not completely confident, are ready to give him a starting spot next season — at least to “test his strength in the spring.”

In 65 MLB appearances (for the Mariners, Blue Jays, and Cardinals), Lawrence’s career stats are not impressive: ERA 6.42, WHIP 1.67.

But who’s to say that in a city of millions like Seattle — with injuries, schedule pressures, and harsh weather — he can’t “shoot” again?

The Mariners have proven they’re willing to take risks to find opportunities. With their current roster deep and flexible enough, adding an experienced but battle-ready pitcher like Lawrence could be a rare “card” if the team needs to rotate its bullpen midseason.

Games, reputation, records… all matter — but Casey Lawrence’s story reminds fans that in baseball, persistence and consistency are sometimes more valuable than innate talent. He’s living proof to those who have been forgotten, who have been left behind, that the door is never completely closed, if you know how to get up and throw the next pitch.

For the Mariners, they’re not just adding depth — they’re giving hope back to a player who once left the spotlight. For fans, it’s a reminder: sometimes the greatest comebacks don’t happen on the playoff field — they start with a small minor-league contract, with an open heart.

America has many stars — but there’s only one baseball with countless stories like Casey Lawrence’s.