There’s a good chance Teddy McGraw will make his debut as a Mariner before anyone else on the roster. There’s also a good chance he didn’t debut at all.
The issue isn’t talent — McGraw has two super-elite curveball players (Ryan Devish calls him “Curveball Jesus”) who could play in the majors tomorrow.
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In addition to striking out, McGraw can also induce grounders with his heavy sinker, which also has movement-enhancing characteristics.
Yes, the problem is not a problem.
One of the issues is health. McGraw was a two-time Tommy John senior before his college career ended, but he still struggled with injuries as a pro. The Mariners selected the Wake Forest product in the third round of the 2023 draft, but a flexor tendon injury kept him from making his professional debut until late 2024. McGraw eventually began pitching regularly in 2025, playing the ACL all the way to Everett as the starter, but lasted no more than three innings per start and missed about a month in July with another injury. However, he finished the season strong and earned himself an invitation to the Mariners’ major league training camp. It looked like it was finally Teddy’s turn.
But injuries once again got in the way. McGraw is currently dealing with biceps tendonitis and has yet to make his spring debut. Now a full-time reliever, the Mariners are carefully managing McGraw’s game under controlled conditions, remaining optimistic that he can one day contribute in a major league bullpen.
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McGraw himself is optimistic. He has come so far, gone through so many struggles, and made difficult choices on his health journey, which is a challenge for a man twice his age. When talking to him, you get the sense that McGraw isn’t going to let this story end until he’s on the major league mound.
But now he was once again forced to bide his time. But “Curveball Jesus” knows that patience is a virtue. So we all wait together.
