Marlowe, Thomas to begin 2024 MLB seasons at AAA

Mar. 21—SEATTLE — Cade Marlowe will begin the 2024 Major League Baseball season in AAA, as will Connor Thomas.

The move was announced Tuesday by the Seattle Mariners. Marlowe was one of the Mariners' last moves to finalize their opening day roster. The regular season starts for the M's March 28 against the Boston Red Sox.

Marlowe played in 14 games this spring, hitting .296 with a homer and two doubles. He drove in three runs, scored six and swiped two bags.

Though he won't start the year on the big league roster, Marlowe will be among Seattle's first options if they need an outfield replacement.

The 26-year-old Tiftarea Academy alumnus made his MLB debut last summer and quickly became a favorite for his heroics with the bat. Among Marlowe's highlights was a grand slam agains Carlos Estevez for a come-from-behind victory.

Marlowe's 34 games with the Mariners in 2023 saw him belt three out of the park and drive in 11 runs.

The Thomas move to AAA Memphis was announced a week ago. The former Tift County Blue Devil and Georgia Tech pitcher, has been close for the past two years of making his Major League debut.

Injuries slowed down Thomas in 2023, but he looked sharp this spring for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Over four innings and three spring appearances, Thomas allowed no earned runs while picking up two holds, according to ESPN stats. He allowed a mere three hits and struck out five.