Mariners Take Evan White, Marvel At Good Fortune

It would be shocking for a club not to gush over its first-round pick, but the Mariners for the second year in a row appeared genuinely surprised at the player they were able to land.

Kentucky first baseman/outfielder Evan White ranked 12th on the pre-draft prospect ranking, which explains why the Mariners reveled in their good fortune at being able to select the righthanded batter with the 17th pick.

“One of the discussions we have about getting more athletic,” scouting director Scott Hunter said, “is putting kids in the system who have the potential for major league impact. More importantly, this is a kid who’s easy to root for.

“He’s wired right. He’s a unique young man in that he’s not the prototypical showcase workout player. I spoke to his coaches, and they rave about not only his routine, but his dedication to the game and his teammates.”

A year ago, the Mariners saw outfielder Kyle Lewis, the BA College Player of the Year, fall into their lap with the 11th pick. Despite missing nearly a year because of a knee injury, Lewis is generally viewed as the organization’s top prospect.

White, 21, will also boost what is generally viewed as a thin system.

Scouts praise White as a plus-plus defender at first base who displays an above-average to plus bat. Critics question his power, but his size—6-feet-3 and 205 pounds—suggests that could come in time.

Defense is a clear priority for White, who points to Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer as a role model.

“He plays a great first base. He’s a Gold Glover,” White said. “He’s someone I watch: An athletic first baseman who can pick it and swing (the bat) and help teams win in different facets of the game.”

Mariners officials say they expect to reach a deal quickly with White, which suggests they already have an agreement in place. The slot value for the 17th overall pick is $3,333,200. White is expected to begin his pro career at short-season Everett.