Seattle Mariners 2020 Midseason Top 30 Prospects Update

To see every team’s Top 30 prospects list, click here.

STATE OF THE SYSTEM

The Mariners’ system is as strong as it’s been in years. Led by outfield wunderkinds Julio Rodriguez and Jarred Kelenic, Seattle has built a system that entered the season ranked No. 5 overall. Its pitching program has also helped maximize its talent on the mound and create an organization of strikeout machines.

1. Julio Rodriguez, OF

One of the most talented prospects in the minor leagues, Rodriguez was initially added to the Mariners’ 60-man player pool but suffered a hairline fracture in his left wrist that will keep him out for 4-8 weeks. He still has some development ahead, but he has the potential to be one of the faces of the franchise.

2. Jarred Kelenic, OF

Kelenic was the centerpiece of the trade that sent Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz to the Mets, and is already looking like a steal. His sweet lefthanded swing is geared to produce average and power, and could help him become a franchise pillar.

3. Emerson Hancock, RHP

Hancock was lauded for his mix of power stuff and control at Georgia and was selected sixth overall by the Mariners in this year’s draft. There are questions about whether his fastball has the qualities to elicit swings and misses, but his potentially plus command will amplify his repertoire.

4. Evan White, 1B

Signed to a six-year, $24 million contract in the offseason, White is slated to make his big league debut on Opening Day. When he does, he’ll provide sterling defense at first base and power that has grown as he’s moved through the minor leagues.

5. Logan Gilbert, RHP

After recovering from a bout of mononucleosis in his draft season, Gilbert was extraordinarily impressive in 2019. He zoomed from low Class A to Double-A and was excellent at every stop. He was included in Seattle’s 60-man player pool.

6. Noelvi Marte, SS

Marte dominated the Dominican Summer League in 2019 and was rewarded with a spot on Seattle’s 60-man player pool. He has the tools to make an impact on both sides of the ball when he reaches his potential.

7. George Kirby, RHP

Kirby earned a reputation as a control artist at Elon and reinforced it in his pro debut, when he struck out 25 and issued zero walks in 23 innings. He had a chance in 2020 to be reunited with college pitching coach Sean McGrath, who was hired by the Mariners in the offseason, but will instead spend the season at the alternate site camp after he was added to the Mariners player pool.

8. Justus Sheffield, LHP

Sheffield should graduate from prospect status shortly. He will open the season in the Mariners rotation and will look to show better control and command after an up-and-down 2019 season.

9. Justin Dunn, RHP

Dunn was part of the package Seattle acquired from the Mets for Robinson Cano and reached the big leagues in 2019. He should get more big league time in the Mariners rotation in 2020 and will work to improve his strike-throwing ability.

10. Kyle Lewis, OF

Lewis has long had enviable tools, but a cavalcade of injuries since he entered pro ball obscured the talent that made him a first-round selection. He has scorched the baseball since his debut last year and has settled in as the Mariners starting center fielder and No. 3 hitter this season.

11. Brandon Williamson, LHP
12. Jake Fraley, OF
13. Cal Raleigh, C
14. Zach DeLoach, OF
15. Isaiah Campbell, RHP
16. Juan Then, RHP
17. Connor Phillips, RHP
18. Austin Shenton, 3B
19. Milkar Perez, 3B
20. Sam Delaplane, RHP
21. Braden Bishop, OF
22. Jose Corniell, RHP
23. Sam Carlson, RHP
24. Aaron Fletcher, LHP
25. Joey Gerber, RHP
26. Wyatt Mills, RHP
27. Sam Haggerty, 2B/OF
28. Jonatan Clase, OF
29. Donnie Walton, 2B/SS
30. Anthony Misiewicz, LHP

SYSTEM STRENGTHS

Kelenic and Rodriguez look like they’ll be the first wave of potential all-stars to reach Seattle, and teenage shortstop Noelvi Marte looks like he’s quickly joining their ranks. The Mariners also have an impressive array of pitching, from brand-name prospects like Emerson Hancock, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby to swing-and-miss artists like Sam Delaplane Aaron Fletcher and Ljay Newsome.

SYSTEM WEAKNESSES

Seattle’s catching depth is a little thin behind Cal Raleigh, and the Mariners don’t have many true first base prospects behind Evan White, but otherwise the system is robust.

PLAYER POOL TIDBITS

The Mariners added four of their 2020 draft picks to their player pool—Hancock, DeLoach, Tyler Keenan and Kaden Polcovich—and also added all of their top 15 prospects entering the season.

HURTING

OF Julio Rodriguez, the team’s No. 1 prospect, has a fractured left wrist and will be sidelined between 4-8 weeks. OF Dom Thompson-Williams tore his Achilles heel in the offseason and is out for the year. 2020 fourth-rounder 3B Tyler Keenan, who was included in Seattle’s player pool, tweaked a hamstring and has been out of action.