Mariners Make a Bold Call on Switch-Pitching Prospect Jurrangelo Cijntje
A rare baseball experiment is taking a decisive turn in Seattle and it could reshape one of the most intriguing young arms in the sport. Jurrangelo Cijntje, the switch-pitching prospect who captured global attention for throwing with both arms, will report to big league spring training focused on pitching right-handed in games.
This is not the end of the ambidextrous story, but it is a clear shift in priorities. The Mariners believe Cijntje’s highest ceiling is as a right-handed starter and spring camp will reflect that belief. While he will still throw left-handed in bullpen sessions, fans will not see him switch arms during spring games. For now, the spotlight is firmly on his right side.
Cijntje’s path has been unlike any other. Drafted in the first round in 2024, he entered pro baseball with a skill set that had no modern blueprint. Early in his minor league career, Seattle experimented carefully, starting him right-handed and then using him as a left-handed reliever between outings. The idea was bold, but the workload proved challenging and the results from the left side lagged behind.
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The numbers told a clear story. As a right-hander, Cijntje missed bats consistently and limited damage. From the left side, command issues and inconsistency surfaced. That contrast forced a reassessment, not of his talent, but of how best to protect it and help it grow.
Seattle’s front office is known across baseball for developing starting pitching and this decision fits that reputation. The organization sees Cijntje not as a novelty, but as a potential impact starter. Simplifying his routine, reducing strain and sharpening his strongest weapons could accelerate his climb toward the majors.
This move also explains another notable choice. Cijntje declined an invitation to pitch in the World Baseball Classic, opting instead to focus on big league camp. That decision signals how seriously he views this moment. Training alongside established major leaguers, absorbing the pace and expectations and proving he belongs may matter more right now than international exposure.
Why does this matter beyond Seattle. Because baseball rarely sees players like this. When a team chooses development over spectacle, it sends a message about long-term vision. If Cijntje thrives as a right-handed starter, the Mariners could gain a near-ready arm as soon as later this season or next, especially with injuries always reshaping pitching depth.
For fans, this is a reminder that prospects evolve and even the most unconventional talents need structure to reach their potential. The experiment is not over, but the direction is clear.
Stay with us as spring training unfolds and this story develops, because the next chapter of Jurrangelo Cijntje’s journey could bring him one step closer to a major league mound.
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