by Alex Clark, 2019 CWL Broadcaster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. ~ California Winter League alumni and Lake Erie Crushers pitcher Michael Stryffeler has signed a contract with the Seattle Mariners organization as of June 11th and will report to Class-A short season ball with the Everett Aquasox in the Northwest League.

Stryffeler participated in the 2019 CWL season where he finished the month with a 1.54 ERA over 27 ⅓ innings while striking out 38 and only walking six. The 6’2” California native posted the third best ERA in the league of pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched.

With the Lumberjacks, he was managed Lake Erie Crushers manager Cameron Roth, who took immediate notice in Stryffeler’s pitching ability. From the start, Cam liked the stuff he saw from Stryffeler.

“His fastball is always moving, it’s never flat,” Roth said. Along with a great work ethic and even better pitches, Stryffeler was signed to play with Lake Erie once again under Roth.

When Michael joined the Crushers, he was immediately moved from being a starter to being a reliever. “ We just thought his stuff matched well with being in the bullpen,” said Roth. With the CWL, Stryffeler’s velocity was around 90-93 with it dropping as the innings went on. However, his velocity jumped into the mid to upper 90’s even touching 98 MPH on occasion. The combination of the improved velocity, improved control on the sink of his fastball and stellar work ethic, helped him to a perfect 0.00 ERA with Lake Erie.

It remains to be seen how Stryffeler will be used in the Mariners organization, but for those who have seen him work know that he will put in the effort to be successful at any level, in any role.

Why the CWL?

2020 CWL Registration