Seattle Mariners Reunite With Former Top Prospect, Claim Levi Stoudt Off Waivers From Reds
The Seattle Mariners have claimed right-handed pitcher Levi Stoudt off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds, the club announced Saturday.
In order to make room for Stoudt, the Mariners designated outfielder Canaan Smith-Njigba for assignment. Smith-Njigba – the older brother of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxson Smith-Njigba – had only joined Seattle's 40-man roster on Feb. 7.
Stoudt was designated for assignment on Feb. 13, when the Reds claimed outfielder Bubba Thompson off waivers from the Minnesota Twins.
Four days later, Stoudt is headed back to the organization he used to call home.
The Mariners selected Stoudt in the third round of the 2019 MLB Draft. The Lehigh University product underwent Tommy John surgery soon after, preventing him from making his professional debut until 2021.
Stoudt shined early on in his minor league career, and he was ranked as the No. 7 prospect in Seattle's farm system by 2022.
The righty was shipped out to Cincinnati that summer, though, in order to bring in All-Star starting pitcher Luis Castillo, who wound up becoming Seattle's ace. Up-and-coming infielder Noelvi Marte was also part of the trade deadline deal.
Stoudt posted a 2.63 ERA in his seven outings in the Reds' farm system down the stretch, but 2023 didn't treat him as kindly.
Across 25 appearances with Triple-A Louisville, Stoudt went 5-6 with a 6.23 ERA and 1.664 WHIP. Cincinnati eventually called Stoudt up to make his MLB debut, and he wound up going 0-1 with a 9.58 ERA, 2.323 WHIP and -0.3 WAR in his four big league appearances.
Stoudt, back where it all began, has a chance to reset entering 2024. It remains to be seen if there is a roster spot open for the 26-year-old righty, given that the Mariners' starting rotation is pretty much set, but he should at least provide some organizational depth for the franchise.
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