Rucker started his college career at Gonzaga, so this deal with the M’s could mean a return to the Pacific Northwest if the right-hander can break camp with the team. After transferring to BYU later in his NCAA days, Rucker was an 11th-round selection by the Cubs in the 2016 draft, and in 2021 he broke through with Chicago. Through 123 1/3 MLB innings from 2021-23, Rucker posted a 4.96 ERA, 22.6% strikeout rate, 46.6% grounder rate and 9.4% walk rate. from the Cubs bullpen.
These uninspiring numbers weren’t enough to keep Rucker on the roster, as Chicago designated him for assignment in February 2024 and quickly traded him to the Phillies in a cash deal. He was limited to 30 2/3 minor league innings for the Phillies and Nationals in 2024 due to an arterial vasospasm in his pitching hand. The Nats cut Rucker from their 40-man roster after the 2024 campaign, then didn’t pitch at all in 2025.
As he enters his age-32 season, Rucker is looking to revive his career and show what he can do in the Mariners’ Spring Training camp. Rucker is probably more of a candidate to pitch at Triple-A Tacoma than to win a spot on Seattle’s Opening Day roster, but he can provide the M’s with some veteran bullpen depth. The righty has a 4.01 ERA, 25.64K% and a 7.54% walk rate over 107 2/3 career innings at the Triple-A level.
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