Mariners Claim LHP José Suarez off Waivers From Braves
By Charles Hamaker
Seattle, WA - In an intriguing move aimed at adding bullpen depth, the Seattle Mariners claimed left-handed reliever José Suarez off waivers from the Atlanta Braves, the day before their three-game series against the NL East team begins. Considering the issues that the Mariners have had in their bullpen and some of the shuffling they’ve done as a result of that, it’s not entirely shocking that Seattle is looking for whatever outside help that they can get.
A 28-year-old reliever, Suarez comes to the Mariners after making eight appearances (One start) with the Braves this season. The left-hander has put together a 0-1 record, one save, a 6.61 ERA, 12 walks, and 21 strikeouts in those eight appearances with Atlanta before being designated for assignment on May 1st.
Suarez, clocking in at 5-foot-10, has appeared in eight Major League seasons, spending time with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (2019-24) and Braves (2025-26) before being claimed by Seattle. Over his career, he’s amassed a 22-30 record, a 5.35 ERA, 176 walks, 383 strikeouts, and a 1.49 WHIP across 114 games (63 starts). His journey to the big leagues began on July 3rd, 2014, when he was signed by the Angels as an international free agent.
Looking at some of the underlying numbers for Suarez, his barrel percentage is in the 94th percentile of the big leagues, but there isn’t much else that jumps out in a positive light. His chase percentage, Whiff percentage, and strikeout percentage are all average at best, while his pitching run value is poor, and a few other numbers, like walk percentage and his extension, are poor.
Outfielder Rhylan Thomas, currently in AAA with the Tacoma Rainiers, was designated for assignment as part of the waiver claim for Suarez, as the 40-man roster was full at the time. In 31 games this year at the AAA level with the Rainiers, Thomas is batting .260 with a .641 OPS, leading Tacoma in hits and tied for the team lead in runs.
Seattle Mariners outfielder Rhylan Thomas during a Spring Training game on March 14th, 2026, against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. (Photos by Eric Hiller for Circling Seattle Sports)
Thomas made his Major League debut with Seattle last season, appearing in three games for the Mariners. He was selected by the Mariners on April 30th, 2025, played in games on May 2nd, 4th, and 5th, and was then optioned back to the Rainiers on May 7th, 2025.
Originally acquired by the Mariners on July 26th, 2024, from the New York Mets in a trade that sent RHP Ryne Stanek to the Metropolitans, Thomas was drafted in the 11th round of the 2022 MLB First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Southern California. Across his minor league career, Thomas has largely hit very well, mostly as a contact hitter and not as much of a power guy. He’s considered the 23rd-ranked prospect in the Mariners system.
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