Seattle Mariners Top 50 Prospects (2024)

2024-P1500-SEA (1) — Top 50 graphic design by Michael Packard, @CollectingPack on Twitter.

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The Seattle Mariners have established themselves as a player development force. Seattle boasts one of the game’s most solid homegrown cores at the big league level: Julio Rodriguez, George Kirby, Logan Gilbert, and Bryce Miller. They have amassed talent in all levels of the organization through international signings, the draft, and in trades. In particular, the Mariners have excelled in pitching development. A large majority of their pitching stable is developed from within, a testament to them identifying talent and maximizing this important pipeline.

In these 2024 rankings, there is a pendulum swing to the hitting side. There is a tantalizing offensive core to dream on emerging in the top of these rankings, with bats such as Harry Ford, Cole Young, Lazaro Montes, Tyler Locklear, and Gabriel Gonzalez. Reinforcements from the draft class in high school hitters Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, Tai Peete, and Aidan Smith round out a long horizon in their player development machine. It is clear there is talent, both in the short and long term, with a vision of many winning days ahead in the Mariners organization. (@TBDubbs11)

Special guest contributor Lindsay Crosby (@CrosbyBaseball) and seven Prospects1500 writers contributed to this column and rankings including Scott Greene (@Scotty_Ballgame), Tony Bps (@tonybps1), Greg Bracken (@gregbracken07), Adam Greene (@aj_greene1015), Clint Fasse (@ProspectLarceny), Jeremy Mahy (@JMahyfam), and Ben Wilson (@TBDubbs11). The writer’s Twitter handle follows each player write-up or paragraph.

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 to make the majors; possible sleeper candidates for sustained MLB success
Tier 5: Players of interest, worth keeping an eye on, who may make (or have made) the majors but provide minimal impact

Levels listed for each player are the highest levels player reached in 2023

Tier 1

None

Tier 2

1. Cole Young, SS, 20, High-A
Young projects to be an everyday regular in the infield with one of the safer hit tools in the minors, batting .277 over 605 plate appearances thanks to a greater than 80% contact rate last season. Despite getting appreciably stronger as the season progressed, it’s more doubles power than home run power at the present. While he played significantly more shortstop than second base last season for Modesto and Everett, his arm projects more at the keystone, as it loses accuracy when he’s deep in the hole. The makeup’s off the charts, as he’s frequently cited by teammates and coaches as unflappable and a leader in the clutch. One of the safer profiles in the system and an above-average regular at the major league level. (@CrosbyBaseball)

2. Harry Ford, C, 20, High-A
Ford, Seattle’s 1st round draft selection (9th overall) in 2021, played all of 2023 in High-A at 20 years old. His numbers were good and the Mariners wanted to showcase him a bit more this past fall in Arizona, but he only played in 7 AFL games. The catcher for Great Britain in the WBC slashed .257/.410/.430/.841 for Everett, but what was more impressive were his 15 HR, 67 RBI, 24 SB and 103 BB! With a full season to improve in AA/AAA, look for his MLB ETA as 2025. (@Scotty_Ballgame)

3. Gabriel Gonzalez, OF, 20, High-A
Since signing with the Mariners in 2021, Gonzalez has incrementally increased his workload, and this last season he played 116 games and put up career highs around the board. He’s a well rounded outfielder that can play defense and hit. If anything, Seattle will be looking for him to lift the ball more next year; that’s a minor gripe though for someone that basically just hit .300 and drove in 84 runs. It seems to be time for him to get a shot at the upper minors and he has the capabilities to continue his development into Double-A Arkansas. (@aj_greene1015)

4. Colt Emerson, SS, 18, Single-A
With just 24 professional games under his belt, Emerson really impressed throughout his first stint between Complex League and Single-A. The 22nd overall pick in last year’s draft hit .536 in the ACL before his promotion. Playing up the middle, he’ll provide solid defense, but he really excels at the plate. For someone still in his teens, to be walking just about as much as he strikes out and maintaining a high contact rate is something the team can be really excited to build on. While the Mariners aren’t going to rush their first round pick, it won’t be long before Emerson is moving up if he continues working his OBP towards .500. (@aj_greene1015)

5. Lazaro Montes, OF, 19, Single-A
There was no argument to be made against Montes being one of the best power hitters in the Mariners organization, and now it’s looking more and more like he could be the best. Montes has unreal power, and though 23 homers doesn’t jump out at you through his first two years, it’s hard to envision him hitting any less than 20-22 per season as he matures and plays more games. He even upped his value by proving he can play a corner outfield position, rather than moving to a full time first baseman or DH. He’s on a trajectory to be an imposing power hitter at every level of the minors, and still has plenty of time to add strength at 19 years-old. (@aj_greene1015)

Tier 3

6. Jonatan Clase, OF, 21, Double-A
Clase was a problem on the basepaths in 2023. After stealing 55 bases in 2022, he added to that total for a combined 79 last season over 121 games in High-A and Double-A. HIs undeniable speed makes him a bonafide option in centerfield, but he’s also improved on his route running. At the plate, Clase struck out more than he would’ve liked, but the other side of that was hitting a career high 20 home runs. Speed is always a valuable commodity to any club, so that alone makes Clase an asset. The next season will be a big one for him, and he has an outside chance to make the majors. (@aj_greene1015)

7. Felnin Celesten, SS, International signee
When looking at Jonatan Clase going into last season, he was generally accepted as the fastest prospect Seattle had. Enter their top international signing of 2023, Felnin Celesten. His power-speed combination had scouts in awe during some of his showcases in the United States as well as the Dominican. Celesten has all the makings of a future number one prospect, and he’s still just 18 years-old. In the field, he plays fantastic defense and can undoubtedly stay at shortstop for a long time. A hamstring injury prevented him from debuting, but his debut is probably the most anticipated for not just a Mariners prospect, but for anyone around the league. (@aj_greene1015)

8. Michael Arroyo, SS/2B, 19, Single-A
Arroyo might be a one trick pony, but the contact’s good enough to make that pony valuable. Despite a slashline of only .255/.403/.400 last season, mostly in Single-A Modesto, he’s got a high floor thanks to his excellent approach, with below-average chase rates and the ability to hit all types of pitches. While the lack of impact power or speed will ultimately hold him back from fantasy relevance, he projects to be a solid infield defender that runs a high on-base percentage and is probably more valuable in real-life than fantasy. (@CrosbyBaseball)

9. Emerson Hancock, RHP, 24, MLB
Hancock was throwing well in Double-A to begin the season, there were just three starts out of 20 that really inflated his ERA and other numbers. He got a look from the major league squad, skipped over Triple-A, and debuted in the show. After only three appearances, he had a season ending shoulder injury, a similar obstacle he dealt with closer to when he was drafted in 2020. Hancock has a full pitch arsenal with a 4-seam, slider, sinker, and change so that alone could be enough for him to earn a spot in the rotation if healthy. None of the pitches jump out at you on paper, but he can strike people out although limiting hits will be a focal point in 2024. (@aj_greene1015)

10. Ryan Bliss, 2B/SS, 24, Triple-A
Bliss was one of my favorite players who I got to see in the 2023 Arizona Fall League. He was regularly hitting near the top of the Peoria Javelinas batting order and he took home the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award. During the regular season, the 2021 2nd round pick out of Auburn (Arizona’s pick at that time), hit .304 with 23 HR, 86 RBI and 55 SB across AA/AAA. His OPS in Double-A Amarillo was 1.008. I will not be surprised to see Bliss in the organization’s Top 5 come midseason. Get him in dynasty if you can. (@Scotty_Ballgame)

11. Tyler Locklear, 1B, 23, Double-A
Locklear also impressed during the AFL, launching 3 homers, knocking in 16, and posting 35 total bases. He was coming off a good season in High-A/Double-A where he played almost exclusively at first base, other than an occasional DH spot in the lineup. The VCU and Cape Cod league product was taken in the 2nd round in 2022, and the Mariners have high hopes for the 23-year-old. He slugged .502 in 85 games this past season, and should start 2024 where he left off in Double-A, with a good shot at Triple-A in the second half. (@Scotty_Ballgame)

12. Tai Peete, 3B/SS/2B, 18, Single-A
Seen as a project on draft day, Peete flashes good bat speed and projectable power but also contact concerns. He struck out 27.5% of the time in his post-draft professional debut, with a particular weakness against offspeed pitches, but the lefty swing is picturesque and he’s a good athlete, so expect a slower-moving prospect that’s worth the wait if it all works out. (@CrosbyBaseball)

13. Jonny Farmelo, OF, 19, High School
One of the faster players in the system, Farmelo sports a 70 run grade that allows him to project out as both a power and speed threat with more than capable defense in the outfield. Despite not getting into official game action after his selection, his draft reports and internal evaluators testify to his ability to handle both spin and velocity, and his 6’2 frame shows the potential for physical development. Owing to his traits and his balanced lefty swing, there’s multiple development paths for Seattle to take with Farmelo once he gets into full season ball this coming season. (@CrosbyBaseball)

Tier 4

14. Alberto Rodriguez, OF, 23, Double-A
15. Prelander Berroa, RHP, 23, MLB
16. Cole Phillips, RHP, 20, High School
17. Walter Ford, RHP, 19, Rookie (ACL)
18. Aidan Smith, OF, 19, Single-A
19. Taylor Dollard, RHP, 24, Triple-A
20. Jose Romero, RHP, 19, Rookie (DSL)
21. Michael Morales, RHP, 21, Single-A
22. Jeter Martinez, RHP, 17, Rookie (DSL)
23. Cade Marlowe, OF, 26, MLB
24. Jimmy Joyce, RHP, 24, Double-A
25. Teddy McGraw, RHP, 22, College
26. Ben Williamson, 3B, 23, Single-A
27. Zach DeLoach, OF, 25, Triple-A
28. Axel Sanchez, SS/2B, 21, High-A
29. Luis Suisbel, 1B/3B/SS, 20, Single-A

Rodriguez has solid pop and some speed. He could be a backup outfielder later in the season or could be DFA’d again if he doesn’t do well in the minors. Berroa appeared in 2 games last year for the major league team, both out of the bullpen. He could be a source of holds this season if his command holds up. Phillips didn’t pitch last year and came to Seattle in the Kelenic deal. He has some good tools and could move up quickly if fully healthy. Ford had some command issues last season but should fare better in his second year with the organization. Dollard was hurt for almost all of 2023 but has shown potential to be a serviceable starter in the majors perhaps later this year if he shows he’s fully back from his arm injury. Martinez is an 18-year-old with a good future as a starter if he works on his command. Marlowe has good power but has had problems with his average in the minors, limiting his potential to contribute much more than backup outfield role. McGraw already had two major surgeries and hasn’t thrown a pitch in the minors yet but, prior to the injuries, but looked great in high school. DeLoach projects to be a lower-tier/backup outfield type if he makes the majors. Sanchez could be a solid shortstop in the majors with a solid average and some power. Suisbel is a deep sleeper dynasty nugget, picked up by many Diamond Duos dynasty league players late in 2023.

Tier 5

30. Blake Hunt, C, 25, Triple-A
31. Juan Mercedes, RHP, 23, Triple-A
32. Jose Zerpa, RHP, 19, Rookie (DSL)
33. Reid VanScoter, LHP, 25, High-A
34. Darren Bowen, RHP, 22, Single-A
35. Carlos Vargas, RHP, 24, MLB
36. Marcelo Perez, RHP, 24, High-A
37. Ashton Izzi, RHP, 20, Rookie (ACL)
38. Brody Hopkins, RHP/OF, 21, College
39. Ty Adcock, RHP, 26, MLB
40. Starlin Aguilar, 3B, 19, Rookie (ACL)
41. Tyler Cleveland, RHP, 24, Single-A
42. Brock Rodden, 2B, 23, Single-A
43. Milkar Perez, 3B/1B, 22, Single-A
44. Tyler Gough, RHP, 20, Single-A
45. Carlos Jimenez, OF, 20, Rookie (ACL)
46. Josh Hood, 2B/3B, 23, High-A
47. Kristian Cardozo, RHP, 21, Rookie (ACL)
48. Ricardo Cova, OF/2B, 19, Rookie (ACL)
49. Jean Munoz, RHP, 21, Rookie (ACL)
50. Dylan Wilson, RHP, 18, Rookie (DSL)

Hunt has some good pop for a catcher but hit tool lags. He could be the team’s backup catcher this season or next. Mercedes, Zerpa, Izzi, Perez, and Adcock all look to be relievers if they make the majors with Adcock being the closest at 26 years old. Bowen is an advanced prospect with a solid fastball and slider combination. VanScoter is a little older at 25 but could see some spot starts this season. Aguilar was a hyped international signee who hasn’t hit his stride yet because of injuries but could be a good buy-low going into the season. Gough struggled in the minors with command but could be a 5th starter if it all comes together for him. Cova projects to be a utility type with good feel for hitting but little power or speed. Munoz is a talented pitcher who threw only 6 innings this past season due to injury. Looking forward to seeing how he looks when healthy. Wilson is a young righty who didn’t look overmatched in his first year of Rookie ball.

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Adam Greene

Adam Greene is a Sport Management and Marketing double major at UMass Amherst's Isenberg School of Management. His main focus is sport marketing, where he's already had internships with the local Westfield Starfires and Springfield Thunderbirds. He now writes for the Cape Cod Baseball League. From Longmeadow, MA, Adam is a huge Red Sox fan and has been following the team his whole life. When Covid hit, he started paying a lot more attention to the Red Sox minor league teams, and now, follows them almost as much as the big league squad. Follow him on Twitter at @aj_greene1015 and Instagram at the same handle.

Scott Greene

President of Prospects1500. Founder of Diamond Duos dynasty fantasy baseball leagues and the MLB Fantasy Playoffs Parlay. Participant and champion in several dynasty/fantasy baseball and football leagues. Sales Manager for Reminder Publishing in real life. Huge Bruce Springsteen and pro wrestling fan. Along with his wife and two boys, lives in Longmeadow, MA. Follow on Twitter at @Scotty_Ballgame.

Tony Bps

Tony Bps Spina is a lifelong baseball fan hailing from the City of Brotherly Love - Philadelphia! Tony has loved baseball since 1980 and has followed the Phillies through good and bad times. Tony is married with 3 kids and works for a financial institution but has enough free time to play in 20 fantasy baseball leagues with 75% of them being Dynasty Leagues. He lives a few blocks away from Citizens Bank Park and attends many Phillies games per year in addition to their minor league teams in Lehigh Valley and Reading. He can be reached on Twitter at @TonyBps1.

Ben Wilson

Ben is an Assistant Editor and also covers the Red Sox and Dynasty/Fantasy baseball content for Prospects1500. He also runs the #2EarlyMiLBMock, an annual prospect-only mock draft, for the Prospects1500 website. Ben is an experienced fantasy baseball player and is a deep league dynasty specialist. He has also contributed at FantraxHQ, RotoFanatic, and retired blogs Real McCoy Minors and Notes from the Sally. Follow Ben on Twitter @TBDubbs11.