Seattle Mariners 2019 MLB Draft Report Card

Image credit: Dutch Landis (Photo by Bill Mitchell)

Every year at the conclusion of the regular season, Baseball America revisits each teams’ most recent draft class. Each class has its no-doubt, high-profile names to keep an eye on, but our annual draft report cards highlight the best tools, best debuts, late-round steals and more. Here are the names you need to know from every organization’s 2019 draft.

You can see the full Seattle Mariners 2019 draft class here. Find all of our 2019 draft report cards here.

Best Pure Hitter: 3B Austin Shenton (5), a native of Bellingham, Wash., had a standout summer in the Cape Cod League last year and was named MVP of the championship series. His hittability is his best asset as he consistently barrels balls and does a good job controlling the strike zone.

Best Power Hitter: In a draft that was heavy on pitching—nine of the Mariners’ first 11 picks were pitchers—C Carter Bins (11) is the chief power threat. He produces big exit velocity and after signing hit seven home runs in 49 games with short-season Everett.

Fastest Runner: OF Antoine Mistico (12) is a well above-average runner that has registered some elite run times. He profiles as a potential top-of-the-order hitter.

Best Defensive Player: While Bins has raw power, he’s more known for his catch-and-throw skills. He has soft hands, a plus arm and handles a pitching staff well. SS Patrick Frick (14) is a dependable defender who figures to be able to stay up the middle on the infield.

Best Athlete: RHP Ty Adcock (8) was Kirby’s teammate at Elon and pulled double duty as an outfielder and pitcher. He hit .251/.335/.480 this spring, and while the Mariners shut him down for the summer after his busy spring, they did entertain the possibility of using him as a DH.

Best Fastball: RHP George Kirby (1) has a big arm and touched 99 mph while working in short stints this summer. Even as a starter, he consistently ran his fastball up to 94-95 mph this spring. LHP Brandon Williamson (2) came on strong this spring and was up to 97 mph late.

Best Secondary Pitch: Kirby throws two breaking balls, and both have plus potential, but it’s his slider that gets the edge right now. RHP Tim Elliott (4) has a plus changeup that helped him have a strong year both at Georgia and Everett.

Best Pro Debut: Shenton started his pro career with Everett and hit .367/.446/.595 in 21 games and was in the mix for the Northwest League batting title when he was promoted to low Class A West Virginia. He had some initial struggles in the South Atlantic League but was back on track before his season ended a couple of weeks early when he was hit in the face by a pitch.

Most Intriguing Background: LHP Adam Macko (7) was born in Slovakia and is trying to become just the third native-born Slovakian to make the big leagues. He began playing baseball in Bratislava, the Slovakian capital, before moving to Ireland, where he played little league baseball, and eventually Canada.

Closest To The Majors: Kirby, Williamson and RHP Isaiah Campbell (2s)—who didn’t pitch after Arkansas’ deep postseason run—all have the potential to hit the ground running next season. Shenton also is on an accelerated track after reaching West Virginia this summer.

Best Late-Round Pick: Bins has the biggest upside and could have been an early Day 2 pick. RHP Logan Rinehart (16) has a big arm, and his fastball has reached 96-97 mph. RHP Dutch Landis (17) presents plenty of upside and can also throw his fastball in the mid-90s.

The One Who Got Away: The Mariners signed their first 31 picks before drafting RHP Jacob Meador (31). He upheld his commitment to Texas Christian, where he figures to take on a big role. C Dominic Tamez (35), who went on to Arkansas, is an advanced hitter and good athlete.