The newest member of the Seattle Mariners' organization has an inspiring story.
His name is Jacob Hurtubise, and Seattle claimed him off waivers Tuesday from the Reds before optioning him to Triple-A Tacoma.
Hurtubise was commissioned at the end of his college career as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. He's only the second West Point graduate to play in Major League Baseball.
Adding to the storybook career, Hurtubise was picked all the way in the 39th round back in 2019, and by the Mariners.
He didn't stick at first, and he eventually got to the Reds system, where he worked his way up.
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The lefty swinging outfielder made it to the major leagues for the first time in 2024.
In limited action at the MLB level across the past two seasons, the speedy Hurtubise has only batted .167.
But in his minor league career, he's a .278 hitter with an impressive .417 on-base percentage who steals about 6-of-7 bases he attempts to take.
He may not be a crucial add for the Mariners at the moment, but he's exactly the type of guy you want to have in your organization.
Hurtubise does have some talent, too, and a great work ethic, which means there's still a chance he breaks through at the major league level in earnest at some point.
For the low cost of a waiver claim, it's a strong move by Seattle to add a special piece to their ballclub.
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