José Gabriel Torres hasn’t thrown a single pitch in the MLB system, but he earned an invitation to the Seattle Mariners’ 2026 Spring Training.

Some people in the industry believe the Venezuelan-born pitcher could earn a spot in Double-A Arkansas by the end of March. Mariners scouts Illich Salazar and David Brito worked together to sign the right-hander after falling in love with his powerful fastball, which can reach 101 mph.

“I’ve had to grind a lot against all odds,” Torres said during a Zoom interview with El Emergente a few hours after signing with the Mariners. “I started playing baseball when I was 12 years old, and I finally managed to sign. It was an amazing day. I’m really happy for my family. I never thought I would live a day like this.”

Torres may become one of the most rema

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