Thirty five games and 148 plate appearances into his first ever professional season, Josh Stowers has made me a believer.

Yes, I’m aware that Stowers was just drafted. Yes, I’m aware that Stowers is still only in A- ball. Yes, I’m aware that it is way too early to be sold on just how good a prospect can be. No, I don’t care one bit.

In a year that is shaping up to be the best this organization has seen since the 2001 season, I am fully prepared to go full on fanboy. It’s safe to assume at this point that everything the Mariners touch turns to gold.

Especially the 21 year old speedster the Mariners selected in the second round of the 2018 draft.

In his first 35 games, Stowers has proved that the power/speed combo he showed at Louisville was real. Currently, he has 10 doubles, four homeruns, 22 RBI, 21 runs and 10 stolen bases, as well as an impressive 149 WRC+. Not only that, he’s hitting .298 with an OBP of .408. I mean, what kind of 21 year old has the plate discipline of Mookie Betts and the power/speed combo of Jean Segura.

Josh Stowers has reached base safely in 25 of 31 games at Everett.

31G, .287/.388/.481/.869, 31H, 9 2B, 4HR, 17R, 21RBI, 16BB, 26K, 3HBP, 2SF, 6SB. #AquaSox — Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) August 2, 2018

As a matter of fact, Stowers was actually named to the Northwest League All-Star Team as well. Quite the accomplishment for someone fresh out of college ball.

With all of this talk about the Mariners looking for an everyday centerfielder, I’m just jacked up enough to admit that I think they already have who they’re looking for. Now, I’m not saying they should call him up right now but what I am saying is a year or two down the line don’t be surprised to see Sowers get the call to the show. Denard Span and Cameron Maybin make for great, quick fixes but they are in no way the future.

I mean, c’mon, just look at the range he has in the outfield:

And the confidence he has while staring down his first career homerun is enough to give major league pitchers shivers:

Josh Stowers 1st pro homer! pic.twitter.com/kikdN7UZcD — Jared Stanger (@JaredStanger) June 20, 2018

Stowers currently sits as the Mariners #7 prospect according to the MLB Prospect List and don’t be surprised to see him climb that list in the near future. Just picture it now…Kyle Lewis (and his hopefully fully healed knee) patrolling left field, Stowers hitting dingers and crushing dreams in centerfield and Mitch Haniger mashing his way into everyone’s heart in right field. I can count on one hand the amount of teams with anywhere near the potential that three-headed monster has.

Although Seattle’s farm system may be thin, they are not short on talent at the top. Patience will be necessary, but when the time comes, be ready.