What a difference a year makes! Since the end of last season, the Mariners have completely revamped their minor league system, going from the bottom third in the league to the top ten in nine months. General Manager Jerry Dipoto continued his deal making through the July 31 deadline trading for Taylor Guilbeau, Aaron Fletcher and Elvis Alvarado from the Washington Nationals, Jose Caballero from the Arizona Diamondbacks and prior to that Juan Then from the New York Yankees. While these moves weren’t as splashy as their offseason deals, they have added much need depth to a system that is getting stronger by the month. They also continued to add arms to the organization drafting nine pitchers with their first eleven picks in the MLB draft including their top five selections.
In addition to the rebuilding of the farm system, the organization has also shed approximately $160 million of future payroll with their dealings that can be used towards free agency in the next year or two. They will also have top ten pick (possibly top five) in next year’s loaded amateur draft. Mariners fans have suffered almost two decades without a postseason appearance and many casual fans have given up. For those that have stuck around and remain optimistic, the chance of being rewarded continues to trend upwards.
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:
1. Jarred Kelenic, OF (Preseason #3)
Age: 20
Highest Level: High-A
Kelenic burst onto the scene starting the scene in Low-A with the West Virginia Power. He produced a .309/.394/.586 slash line to go along with 11 HR’s, 14 doubles and 29 RBI’s . Subsequently he was one of three Mariners prospects to represent the club at the 2019 Futures Game. He hasn’t put up the same numbers with High-A Modesto which is easily attributed to expected growing pains. Kelenic has naturally raw power with an excellent feel for the barrel, is strong defensively and has above average speed.
2. Logan Gilbert, RHP (Preseason #7)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
The big right hander has already been promoted twice since April and is currently residing in Arkansas with the AA Travelers. His four pitch arsenal includes a fastball that jumps into the high 90’s. He’s produced at each level and has thrown 126 strikeouts in 101.2 innings to go along with his 7-4 record with a 2.12 ERA and 0.94 WHIP. He is trailblazing his way through to the big leagues and may make it up sooner than his 2021 expected date of arrival.
3. Julio Rodriguez, OF (Preseason #5)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Low-A
Rodriguez may have the highest upside of anyone in the organization. Just 18-years-old, he has impressed with his raw power and tremendous bat speed. After suffering a hairline fracture to his wrist in early in the season he returned in mid June. In his first season in the states he has a .268/.340/.805 slash to go along with nine home runs in 41 games. The next season or two is going to be an exciting time to watch this kid develop.
Tier 2:
4. Justus Sheffield, LHP (Preseason #1)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AAA
The combination of hitter friendly PCL parks and baseballs with a little extra juice didn’t help the talented right hander to start the 2019 campaign. Since getting sent down to AA Arkansas he returned to show the tremendous upside and skills that the organization envisioned when acquiring him the James Paxton trade. With the Travs he has gone 4-2 sporting a 1.64 ERA and 1.03 WHIP in the talent heavy Texas league while striking out 65 in 60.1 innings of work. He’s expected to get a September call up, where we can see if his ability and approach can translate to a bonafide MLB pitcher.
5. Evan White, 1B (Preseason #4)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AAA
Another one of three prospects to represent the M’s in the 2019 Futures Game, White is having a solid season with AA Arkansas. The first baseman has shown patience and quick bat speed so far this season while slashing .291/.342/.484 with 13HR’s and 12 doubles. His hitting ability has been a little better than expected and are complimenting his strong defensive prowess where he has the potential to be one of the best defensive first baseman in MLB.
6. Justin Dunn, RHP (Preseason #6)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA
Dunn is a hard throwing right hander with a four pitch arsenal including a nasty slider and a fastball that hits the upper 90s. He was the third M’s representative in the Futures Game amid a solid year in Arkansas. Thus far he is 6-4 with a 3.59 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 119 K’s in 100.1 innings of work starting all 19 games he has appeared in.
7. George Kirby, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A
Another hard throwing right hander, Kirby was the Mariners first selection in 2019 MLB draft going 20th overall. He was the first ever first round selection out of Elon University. He has gotten off to a torrid start with short season Everett where he has started 4 games, pitching 10 innings while producing a 0.90 ERA and 0.80 WHIP. His fastball tops out a 98MPH to go along with his curveball, slider and sinking changeup.
8. Jake Fraley, OF (Preseason #13)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA
After bashing the ball around AA parks, Fraley was promoted to AAA Tacoma in June. Between both stops Fraley has slashed .286/.362/.476 while hitting 17 HR’s and stealing 22 bases and is also a very solid defensive outfield. He is likely to make his MLB debut in September if not sooner.
9. Cal Raleigh, C (Preseason #16)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
Raleigh is an above average defensive catcher and is developing relationships with his future MLB battery mates down in Arkansas after his promotion in mid July. He produced offensively in his first two stops, last year with Low-A Everett and this year with High-A Modesto. He has struggled a bit making the adjustment to AA pitching, though it is a very small sample size of 51 at bats to date.
10. Noelvi Marte, SS (Preseason #14)
Age: 17
Highest Level: Dominican Summer League
The young shortstop is just getting started down the DSL and won’t likely make his state side debut until 2020. Marte is another high upside international signee that was ranked number 7 overall of the international free agents in 2017. So far in 2019 he is slashing .264/.330/.415 in 48 games.
Tier 3:
11. Kyle Lewis, OF (Preseason #8)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
The former number 1 pick for the M’s back in 2016 has shown signs of the player the organization thought he could be when they drafted him. Thus far in 2019 he has a slash line of .274/.363/.413 with 8 HR’s in 96 games with Arkansas. The outfield is where the organization has the most offensive depth, so it will be a challenge for the 24 year old to find his place with the big club. We should get a chance to see him during September call ups. Between September and spring training, we should get an idea of how he fits into Seattle’s long term plans.
12. Braden Bishop, OF (Preseason #10)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB
The outfielder made the MLB roster to start the year when it was expanded due to the opening series in Japan. He then received another call up in late April, but received limited at bats due to a roster crunch of veteran outfielders. He was slashing .293/.378/.500 before suffering a lacerated spleen and was placed on the injured list in early June. Bishop needs regular playing time and should receive some in the last couple of months of the season. He is due to begin a rehab assignment next week.
13. Ljay Newsome, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AAA
The young right hander is putting together a breakout campaign in 2019. In 18 games at High-A Modesto, Newsome has been fantastic striking out 124 in 100.2 innings pitched while going 6-6 with a 3.75 ERA and 1.13 WHIP. On June 23rd he got a spot start with AAA Tacoma where he struck out 10 in 5.2 innings pitched. In mid July he was promoted to AA Arkansas where he should expect to remain for the rest of the 2019 campaign. Newsome is a pitcher to keep your eyes on going forward.
14. Matt Festa, RHP (Preseason #17)
Age: 26
Highest Level: MLB
The right hander has bounced back and forth between Seattle and Tacoma, where he currently is pitching. He has struggled a bit in Seattle and shined in AAA ball with a 1-1 record, 2 saves with a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP while striking out 25 in 19.2 innings pitched. Look for him to get some regular playing time at the MLB level towards the back part of the 2019 campaign.
15. Shed Long, 2B (Preseason Reds #6)
Age: 23
Highest Level: MLB
Currently on the injured list, Long has produced a .279/.343/.466 slash line at AAA Tacoma. He has also received sporadic playing time on the big league roster and should get a chance to do that again to close out 2019.
16. Brandon Williamson, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A
Williamson was the M’s second round pick in the 2019 draft out of TCU. The left hander stands at 6’6”, possesses a four pitch arsenal including a fastball that jumps into the high 90’s. He comes with a bit of injury risk, having had surgery to repair the labrum in both hips prior to last season. With TCU he had a solid strikeout to walk ration of 89K’s and 36 walks in 77.1 innings pitched.
17. Sam Carlson, RHP (Preseason #11)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Rookie League
The second round pick in the 2017 MLB draft had Tommy John surgery last July with a recovery period of 12-15 months. We should get a look at the kid next spring.
18. Art Warren, RHP (Preseason #21)
Age: 26
Highest Level: AA
The hard throwing right hander has been the closer for the AA Travelers saving 13 in 15 opportunities this year. He has shown decent command striking out 34 and walking 12 to go along with his 2-1 record. 1.42 ERA and 1.03 WHIP. Warren is someone I would like to see get a September call up. The Mariners AA affiliate Arkansas has been cruising through the Texas League and with many on the club figuring to be future Mariners it seems the organization is wanting to keep the group together for their playoff ride.
19. Erik Swanson, RHP (Preseason #12)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB
The right hander has been splitting his time between Tacoma and Seattle and is currently up with the big club. Since his latest call up the club has been using him as an opener after struggling during his first call up. He figures to be given a shot to make the rotation next spring and if not could spend his time pitching as a long reliever.
20. Damon Casetta-Stubbs, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 20
Highest Level: High-A
After being drafted in the eleventh round of the 2018 draft Casetta-Stubbs split his time between Modesto and West Virginia prior to short season Everett starting their season. He has been working out of the rotation with the Aqua Sox and has earned a trip to the Northwest League All star game. In 10 starts with Everett he is 3-1 with a 4.00 ERA and 1.16 WHIP striking out 41 in 45 innings.
21. Ricardo Sanchez, LHP (Preseason #26)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
The lefty possesses above average stuff with his fastball, curveball and changeup. He is a control pitcher possessing 114 to 29 strikeout to walk ration while going 6-8 with a 4.20 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in AA ball this season
22. Dom Thompson-Williams, OF (Preseason #15)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
After last years breakout performance with the Yankee organization, the outfielder has struggled in his first year in AA with a.232/.301/535 slash with 3 home runs in 92 games.
23. Taylor Guilbeau, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 26
Highest Level: AAA
The left hander was one of three relief pitchers acquired at the deadline for Hunter Strickland and Roenis Elias bolstering the relief pitching depth in the Mariners system. Guilbeau has been solid in 2019 with a 3-2 record to go along with a 2.76 ERA and 1.18 WHIP. I would expect a September call up to take a look and see how he can contribute to the big club next season.
24. Sam Delaplane, RHP (Preseason #49)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA
Delaplane has been a strikeout machine in 2019 posting 62 in 31.2 innings at High-A Modesto before earning a promotion to AA Arkansas. In 15 games with the Travs, he has been looking major league ready with a 3-1 record, 0.39 ERA and .69 WHIP.
25. Juan Then, RHP (Preseason Yankees #23)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Low-A
The young right hander was originally signed by Seattle in 2016 and subsequently traded along with JP Sears in 2017 to the Yankees for Nick Rumbelow. Apparently, the M’s missed the kid as they traded back for him in the Edwin Encarnacion deal in June. He has looked good with short season Everett going 0-1 with a 2.65 ERA and respectable 0.88 WHIP.
26. Austin Shenton, 3B (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A
Taken in the fifth round of the 2019 MLB draft out of Florida International, the third baseman went to high school two hours north of Seattle in Bellingham. Shenton got off to a blistering start in Everett earning a promotion to West Virginia after just 21 games. Between both stops he has produced a nifty .317/.394/.976 slash to go along with 6 HR’s om 139 at bats.
27. Tim Lopes, 2B (Preseason NR)
Age: 25
Highest Level: MLB
Lopes was drafted by the Mariners in the sixth round of the 2012 draft out of high school. Subsequently he was traded to Toronto in 2016 and signed with Seattle as a Free Agent in January. In his major league starting debut he was beaned in the head and suffered a concussion. With Tacoma this year he has a respectable .307/.366/.483 slash to go along with 10 home runs. The second baseman also has above average speed with 25 stolen bases this year and 158 in his minor league career. He should get a decent look by the team in September.
28. Juan Querecuto, SS (Preseason #24)
Age: 18
Highest Level: Rookie ball
The youngster is just getting started in the Arizona Rookie League. Lots of potential, but a long way from making any significant contributions.
Tier 4:
29. David McKay, RHP (Preseason #40)
Age: 24
Highest Level: MLB
McKay has spent most of his time with AAA Tacoma in 2019 though he has appeared in 7 games with the Mariners. In 29 relief appearances with the Rainiers he went 3-1 with a 4.33 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 71 K’s. He should be in the battle next season to have a shot at making the club out of spring training.
30. Wyatt Mills, RHP (Preseason #18)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AA
The side armed right has been decent in 2019 going 4-1 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.20 WHIP while striking out 49 in 41.2 innings while converting five saves with Arkansas. The third round pick in 2017 figures to challenge for a roster spot next season.
31. Aaron Fletcher, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AA
Another much needed left handed reliever, Fletcher was acquired in the Strickland/Elias trade at the deadline. He was sharp with High-A Potomac in the Nationals system earning a promotion to AA Harrisburg less than two weeks before he was dealt to the Mariners. So far in 2019 he 5-4 with an impressive 1.76 ERA and 0.85 WHIP.
32. Donnie Walton, 2B (Preseason #34)
Age: 25
Highest Level AA
The second baseman struggled when promoted to AA in 2018 but has looked good so far this year with a .291/.389/.42 slash. He has shown steady progress in each of his stops in minor league ball and will be interesting to watch him continue to grind.
33. Jake Haberer, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA
Haberer went undrafted and signed as a free agent in 2018 after pitching at Eastern Illinois University. He started the year with Modesto and has mainly split his time between Modesto and Arkansas while also filling in for three games with Tacoma. He has a superb fastball that hits 98 MPH and a plus slider.
34. Cesar Izturis Jr., SS (Preseason #42)
Age: 19
Highest Level: A
The young shortstop started this season with West Virginia until the short season started in Everett. The son of former major leaguer Cesar Itzuris has a long road ahead of him but has the blood lines.
35. Joey Gerber, RHP (Preseason #20)
Age: 22
Highest Level: AA
In his second season playing pro ball Gerber quickly earned a promotion to AA after starting the year in Modesto. The big 6’4” right hander was the closer at Illinois in college and possesses a high 90s fastball. The flame thrower has 53 K’s in 37.1 innings pitched with a 1-3 record to go along with a 3.13 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
36. Ian Miller, OF (Preseason #25)
Age: 27
Highest Level: AAA
Miller has been in Seattle’s system since 2013 and is likely to fall victim to a number crunch in a Mariners organization loaded with outfield talent. He is slashing .271/.344/.447 with 10 home runs and will likely need to find a spot with another organization. Solid ballplayer who could be a fourth outfielder if given the right opportunity.
Tier 5:
37. Jorge Benitez, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 20
Highest Level: Low-A
After being drafted in round nine in 2017, Benitez has played rookie ball the past two seasons and had a cup of coffee with Everett in 2018 appearing in two games. Now on the Everett roster for the season he has gone 2-1 with a 3.93 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 10 appearances with the Aquasox.
38. Joe Rizzo, 3B (Preseason #30)
Age: 21
Highest Level: A
Taken in round 2 in the 2016 draft, the third baseman is having has shown improvement in the 2019 campaign producing a .283/.342/.415 slash with 8 home runs in 414 at bats.
39. Darren McCaughan, RHP (Preseason #37)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AAA
McCaughan looked really sharp with AA Arkansas going 7-5 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 17 starts before earning a promotion to Tacoma.
40. Darin Gillies, RHP (Preseason #35)
Age: 26
Highest Level: AAA
Gillies has split his time between Arkansas and Tacoma in 2019 going 2-2 with a 5.12 ERA and 1.21 WHIP.
41. Isaiah Campbell, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: College
Taken in the Competitive Balance round, the right hander led Arkansas to the NCAA Super Regionals. He had a terrific 103-19 strikeout to walk ration wile going 11-1 with a 2.27 ERA for the Razorbacks.
42. Luis Liberato, OF (Preseason #39)
Age: 23
Highest Level: AAA
.271/.337/.396 slash with 7 HR’s splitting time between Tacoma, Arkansas and Modesto
43. Danny Chang, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 19
Highest Level: Rookie
The 19-year-old from Taiwan is 0-2 with a 4.15 ERA and 1.35 playing in the Arizona rookie league.
44. Jose Caballero, 2B (Preseason Dbacks #22)
Age: 22
Highest Level: High-A
Caballero was acquired in the deadline deal for pitcher Mike Leake. The second baseman started the year in High-A Visalia and was assigned to the Arizona rookie league after the trade. The speedster stole 28 bases while slashing .455/.500/.636 with Visalia.
45. Kyle Wilcox, RHP (Preseason #36)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
2-4 with a 3.58 ERA, 1.55 WHIP and 75 K’s in 50.1 innings pitched between Arkansas and Modesto
46. Ryne Inman, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
7-7 with a 4.74 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 124 K’s in 23 starts with the West Virginia Power
47. Tim Elliott, RHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 21
Highest Level: Low-A
The right hander was drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB draft out of the University of Georgia. He has started 8 games with short season Everett going 1-3 with a 4.84 ERA and 1.66 WHIP striking out 26 in 22.1 innings.
48. Jack Anderson, RHP (Preseason #45)
Age: 25
Highest Level: AA
The 25-year-old right handed reliever has been sharp pitching for AA Arkansas going 3-1 with a 1.79 ERA and 1.29 WHIP in 30 games.
49. Bobby Honeyman, 3B (Preseason #50)
Age: 23
Highest Level: A
.282/.336/.379 slash line with 7 HR’s and 17 doubles with West Virginia
50. Keegan McGovern, OF (Preseason #22)
Age: 23
Highest Level: High-A
.218/.340/.431 slash with 10 HR’s and 8 doubles splitting time between West Virginia and Modesto
and…
51. Anthony Misiewicz, LHP (Preseason NR)
Age: 24
Highest Level: AAA
Misiewicz started the year strongly with AA Arkansas going 1-2 with a 2.52 ERA and 1.21 in seven starts with the Travs. Since getting promoted to Tacoma he has struggled going 6-6 with a 6.24 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 15 starts. In his last start on Sunday the left hander dominated the Iowa Cubs throwing 8 no hit innings before being pulled due to his pitch count reaching 116. Due to this performance he is the Prospects 1500 AAA Pitcher of the Week.
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Joe Rushhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/mariners002/
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Joe Rushhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/mariners002/
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Joe Rushhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/mariners002/
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Joe Rushhttps://www.prospects1500.com/author/mariners002/
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