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Seattle Mariners Midseason Top 50 Prospects

There has been a bit of turnover to the Mariners Top 50 list, with seventeen new additions since my preseason Mariners Top 50 prospects in January. The 2018 MLB draft appears to have been a success with two players—number one pick Logan Gilbert and number two pick Josh Stowers crashing the top ten and number 3 pick Cal Raleigh missing it by one spot. In addition, Seattle was able to sign highly rated international prospect Noelvi Marte. Below is the updated list with new additions and notable first half performances.

Prospects1500 Tiers:

Tier 1: Players with high expectations of both making the majors and playing at an All-Star level for a number of years

Tier 2: Players with an above average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 3: Players with an average expectation of making the majors and being a solid contributor

Tier 4: Players who have the potential of making the majors, or have high likelihood of making the majors but providing minimal impact (e.g. middle reliever, low-ceiling UT guys)

Tier 5: Players who are worth keeping an eye on, but likely to never make a team’s 40-man roster



Tier 1

None



Tier 2

1. Kyle Lewis, OF

Age 23

Highest Level: AA—Arkansas Travelers

The organization’s top prospect has struggled since being promoted to AA Arkansas in late July hitting under the Mendoza line with a .191 average. Overall, he has a .239/.285/.382/.667 slash line between High A Modesto and AA Arkansas.

2. Evan White, 1B

Age 22

Highest Level: AAA—Tacoma Rainiers

The M’s top draft pick in 2017 is having a solid first full season with a .288/.353/.433/.785 slash between High A Modesto and a brief 4 game stop with Triple A Tacoma which was done more for depth reasons than anything else.

3. Logan Gilbert, RHP

Age 21

Highest Level: N/A

The hard throwing right hander was the M’s number one pick in the 2018 draft and won’t make his debut this season after contracting mononucleosis. As a junior at Stetson University, he led the team to the College World Series going 11-1 with a Division I leading 157 K’s and just 23 walks while posting a 2.52 ERA and was named the Atlantic Sun Conference Pitcher of the year. He stands 6’6” routinely hits the high 90s with his fastball. Stetson University has produced major leaguer standouts Jacob deGrom and Corey Kluber. The M’s will have hit the jackpot if his success mirrors his fellow alumni.

4. Julio Rodriguez, OF

Age 17

Highest Level: Dominican Summer League

The seventeen year old has been impressive in the summer league slashing .315/.404/.525/.929 with 5 home runs in 59 games.

5. Josh Stowers, OF

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A—Everett Aquasox

The second round pick in 2018 got off to a strong start in short season Everett after shooting up draft boards with an impactful showing in the NCAA tournament for Louisville. He projects as a future MLB center fielder and possesses the speed to be a base stealing threat. He’s slashing .281/.388/.438/.826 with 24 runs, 4 HR and 11 stolen bases in 44 games with the Aquasox.



6. Braden Bishop, OF

Age 24

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

The outfielder is out for the year after breaking a bone in his forearm after being hit by a pitch in July. Up until that point he was having a productive season and was the Texas League player of the month in June with a .284/.361/.412/.772 slash. Off the field, he started the 4Mom foundation to help people and families with Alzheimer’s and Dementia, which was inspired by his mom’s battle with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. (www.4momalz.com)



Tier 3

7. Wyatt Mills, RHP

Age 23

Highest Level: AA—Arkansas Travelers

The 23-year-old reliever was promoted from Modesto to Arkansas on August 1. He has a 6-1 record with a .283 ERA and 1.03 WHIP while striking out 54 in 47.2 innings between the two stops.

8. Sam Carlson, RHP

Age 19

Highest Level: Arizona Fall League

The young right hander underwent season ending surgery to repair his torn ulnar collateral ligament this summer, recovery time is typically 12-15 months. This will essentially sideline him for most if not all of next season as well.

9. Matt Festa, RHP

Age 25

Highest Level: MLB

The Arkansas Travelers closer was just recalled to the Mariners on Saturday after a 2 game stint last month. He is perfect in 18 saves opportunities while posting a 4-2 record with a 2.70 ERA and 1.27 WHIP to go along with 58 strikeouts in 43.1 innings in the Texas League. He figures to be part of a reliever shuffle for the remainder of this season and will have a good chance to stick with the club out of spring training next season.

10. Noelvi Marte, SS

Age 16

Highest Level: N/A

The M’s were able to snag the highly touted 16-year-old from the Dominican Republic for $1.55 million in early July. The 6’1” youngster possesses speed, power and good mechanics.

11. Cal Raleigh, C

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A—Everett Aquasox

The third round pick out of Florida State agreed to a deal on the last possible day for players with remaining college eligibility. The First Team All ACC catcher has shined so far with Everett slashing an impressive .312/.393/.548/.941 with 5 home runs in 93 plate appearances. He is a switch hitter with strong defensive skills and should be able to move through the Mariners system fairly quickly.

12. Art Warren, RHP

Age 25

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

The righty has a 1-2 record with a 1.72 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 22 strikeouts and is currently on the disabled list.

13. Eric Filia, OF

Age 26

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

After returning from a 50 game suspension for a second positive drug test, the 26-year-old got off to a great start over his first few weeks. He’s cooled off somewhat and is slashing .277/.366/.359/.725. Interestingly, he was returned to the Mariners after being traded to the Red Sox for Roenis Elias due to failing a physical.

14. Ian Miller, OF

Age 26

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

.272/.348/.345/.693, 2 HR, 79 K, 371 AB



Tier 4

15. Joe Rizzo, 3B

Age 20

Highest Level: High A Modesto Nuts

.244/.309/.324/.633, 4 HR, 94 K, 414 AB

16. Juan Querecuto, SS

Age 17

Highest Level: Dominican Summer League

.240/.331/.330/.661, 3 HR, 50 K, 221 AB

17. Max Povse, RHP

Age 24

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

4-3, 3.41 ERA, 1.38 WHIP, 60 K, 60.2 IP in Double-A

18. Nick Rumbelow, RHP

Age 26

Highest Level: MLB

Rumbelow has been part of the Mariner’s relief rotation pitching in 8 games so far this season with the big club. While his numbers with the Mariners have not been impressive he is sporting a 1-0 record with a 2.04 ERA with a 1.19 WHIP in 13 appearances with Tacoma.

19. Robert Whalen, RHP

Age 24

Highest Level: MLB

The right hander has had some impressive outings this year, but overall his numbers are not great. He’s currently 7-8 with a 5.37 ERA and 1.59 WHIP in 22 starts with Tacoma and Everett.

20. Joey Curletta, 1B

Age 24

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

Something has clicked for the big first baseman in 2018, he has been straight up mashing this year with a .303/.404/.524/.929 slash line in 2018 while hitting 23 HR in 116 games with the Travs.

21. Joey Gerber, RHP

Age 21

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

Splitting time between Everett and Clinton the 21 year old has a 1-0 record with a 2.57 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and an impressive 33 strikeouts in 21 innings.

22. Anthony Jimenez, OF

Age 22

Highest Level: High A Modesto Nuts

.252/.298/.367/.664 with 5 HR, 92 K, 341 AB

23. Chuck Taylor, OF

Age 24

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

.288/.369/.371/.739 with 3 HR, 71 K, 445 AB

24. Michael Plassmeyer, LHP

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A Everett Aquasox

After an impressive breakout year with the University of Missouri, the left hander has continued his successful 2018 in Everett with 0-1 record, 2.18 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 36 K in 20.2 innings in Everett. The 4th round selection in the 2018 MLB draft could move quickly through the M’s system.

25. Donnie Walton, 2B

Age 24

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

The second baseman has had a bit of a rough time after being promoted from Modesto to Arkansas and has a combined slash line of .271/.365/.367/.733 between the two clubs.

26. Darin Gillies, RHP

Age 25

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

Splitting time between AA Arkansas and AAA Tacoma the right hander has a 3-2 record with a 5.28 ERA and 1.32 WHIP in 38 relief appearances in 2018.

27. Kyle Wilcox, RHP

Age 24

Highest Level: A Clinton LumbeKings

Splitting time between Modesto and Clinton the right hander has a 3-3 record with a 3.29 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 33 appearances in 2018.

28. Darren McCaughan RHP

Age 22

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

The right hander has spent the majority of his time in Modesto with two Tacoma appearances in 2018. Combined he is 7-10 in 24 starts with a 3.12 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 113 K in 135.2 innings pitched.

29. Luis Liberato, OF

Age 22

Highest Level: High A Modesto Nuts

.237/.300/.417/.717 with 10 HR, 55 K in 278 AB

30. Logan Taylor, OF

Age 24

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

Has split his time with Modesto, Arkansas and Tacoma and is posting a .285/.360/.441/.801 slash line with 10 HR and 106 K in 333 AB in 2018.

31. Cesar Izturis Jr., 2B

Age 18

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

The young second baseman has spent most of the year playing rookie ball in Arizona, but also made appearances in Arkansas and Tacoma.

32. Max Roberts, LHP

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A Everett Aquasox

Drafted in the 7th round in 2017, the right hander is 1-3 with a 4.25 ERA, 1.42 WHIP with 47 K in 42.1 innings pitched with the Aquasox.

33. Joseph Rosa, 2B

Age 21

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

.213/.298/.285/.583 with 6 HR and 108 K in 404 AB in Clinton

34. Matt Walker, RHP

Age 23

Highest Level: AA Arkansas Travelers

4-1 with a 3.70 ERA and 1.34 WHIP and 48 K in 56 innings in Clinton

35. Jack Anderson, RHP

Age 24

Highest Level: High A Modesto

After just missing the top 50 in the preseason list, the right hander has looked sharp in Modesto pitching in relief with a 1-4 record, 2.74 ERA, 1.17 WHIP with 51 K in 46 innings pitched with Modesto.

36. Ronald Rosario, OF

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A Everett Aquasox

After struggling in Everett, he was sent down to Arizona Rookie League and has struggled in both places. He is danger of falling off the map after an impressive 2017 campaign.

37. Keegan McGovern, OF

Age 22

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

The ninth round pick in the 2018 draft has shined in both Everett and Clinton. The 2018 SEC Baseball Scholar Athlete of the year has a slash line of ..271/.358/.502/.860 with 11 HR in 203 AB. He has the potential to fast track his way through the system. Definitely worth keeping an eye on. I expect him to be further up the list come next year’s preseason ranking.

38. Zach Vincej, SS

Age 27

Highest Level: MLB

Vincej has spent all but one game in Tacoma. That one game was up with the Mariners and I was there to watch him go 2-4 with an RBI. The numbers haven’t been as good with AAA Tacoma where he is posting a .246/.314/.346/.660 slash line.

39. David Freitas, C

Age 29

Highest Level: MLB

He spent part of the year in Seattle as Mike Zunino’s backup and may end up back there after Chris Herrmann’s recent injury. In Tacoma he has been impressive with a .372/.445/.522/.967 slash line.

40. Bobby Honeyman, SS

Age 22

Highest Level: High A Modesto

The 29th round pick in 2018 out of Stony Brook has been a fan favorite up in Everett where he has spent most of the season. The kid has raked in Everett and combined with his time in Modesto he has .340/.371/.474/.845 slash line. This is someone to keep an eye on over the next year or two.



Tier 5

41. Greifer Andrade, OF

Age 21

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

After nice year in Everett in 2017, there has been some drop off with Clinton. He’s put up a .221/.241/.329/.570 slash with Clinton so far in 2018.

42. Nathan Bannister, RHP

Age 24

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainers

7-9 with a 6.18 ERA, 1.63 WHIP, 80 K in 134 IP with Arkansas

43. Nick Zammarelli III, 1B

Age 24

Highest Level: High A Modesto

The 8th round pick in the 2016 draft has been consistent each of his three years in the M’s system, but needs to cut down on his strikeouts. He is slashing .278/.344/.446/.790 with 10 HR and 127 K in 413 AB.

44. Collin Kober, RHP

Age 23

Highest Level: High A Modesto Nuts

In seven games, Kober has posted a 6-0 record with a 2.25 ERA and 1.02 WHIP with 76 K in 56 innings splitting time between Clinton and Modesto.

45. Nolan Hoffman, RHP

Age 21

Highest Level: Low A Everett Aquasox

Taken in the 5th round in the 2018 draft, the reliever bolted up the draft ranks after switching to a submarine style pitching motion last offseason and quickly became the top relief pitcher in the SEC. He is currently 0-3 with a 3.38 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with 11 K in 13.1 innings with the Aquasox.

46. Gareth Morgan, OF

Age 22

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

The big outfielder has struggled in the 2018 campaign hitting .158 with 180 K in 298 AB with Modesto. Yes, 180 strikeouts.

47. Billy Cooke, OF

Age 22

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

.180/.296/.230/.526/ with 1 HR and 98 K in 283 AB

48. Johnny Adams, SS

Age 23

Highest Level: A Clinton LumberKings

.220/.287/.341/.628 with 11 HR and 120 K in 428 AB

49. Sam Delaplane, RHP

Age 23

Highest Level: AAA Tacoma Rainiers

The righty is having a solid season with A Clinton going 4-2 with a 2.05 ERA and 1.27 WHIP, with a massive 82 K in 52.2 innings.

50. Nick Rodriguez, SS

Age 22

Highest Level: High A Everett Aquasox

The 22nd round pick in the 2018 draft has a .275/.309/.444/.753 slash with 6 HR and 37 K in Everett.

Featured image of Braden Bishop – via BaseballCensus.com