The Mariners optioned Then to High-A Everett on Tuesday, Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though the Mariners added Then to the 40-man roster during the offseason, he's still at least a year away from reaching the big leagues, and likely longer if the organization continues to develop him as a starter. The right-hander last appeared in the South Atlantic League with Low-A West Virginia in 2019, giving up four runs and striking out 14 over 16 innings while limiting opposing hitters to a .127 average.

Then's contract was purchased by the Mariners on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Based on reports from the alternate training site and fall instructs, Then had a breakout year in 2020. He was sitting in the 95-99 mph range with his fastball while showcasing a quality slider, Jonathan Mayo of MLB.com reports. Then will still be developed as a starter for now, but with minimal upper-level experience and a spot on the 40-man roster, he may eventually debut as a reliever if the team's internal depth gets tested. His fastball could eventually touch triple digits in a bullpen role.