The Magnificent Seven

Jerry Dipoto desperately trying to dodge questions from 710 ESPN's Shannon Drayer mid-game. Photo by
Jennifer Buchanan.

By Stevil, January 25th, 2020

 

My initial intention was to wait until after the 2020 draft before posting who I believe are the top-7 prospects in the Mariner organization. Once I realized how ridiculous that would have been, especially since already having suggested these names are the cream of the crop on other blogs, I decided to simply share what I have and the reasoning behind the selections, complete with humorless opinions.

And here they are...

1. Julio Rodriguez. 

After enduring an injury early, Julio came back and dominated the competition with no signs of slowing down. He found himself promoted, dominated further, then went on to the AFL. A slow start gave him the chance to show his ability to adjust against older (and elite) competition, and that's exactly what he did. Ended up an All Star and is now well-poised to find himself in Seattle earlier than anticipated.

2. Jarred Kelenic. 

One of the biggest acquisitions in Jerry's tenure, Jarred has been fast-tracked and for good reason: he has earned it. Climbing from A to AA last season, he adapted to each new environment quickly despite being much younger than most of his peers. He's a little bit ahead of Rodriguez, and more likely to debut first, but both players could end up anchored in Seattle's 2021 lineup by the end of the season. 

3. Logan Gilbert. 

An exceptional plus fastball with a slider and changeup that both flash plus, along with excellent command and control, Logan may end up being a front-line starter in short-order. Like Rodriguez and Kelenic, he's well ahead of schedule. Look for his debut in 2020.

4. Evan White. 

Evan has been an under-the-radar type from day-1. He was an obvious draft pick for Dipoto as he offered all the tools you could ask for from a first baseman (yes, including power), but there was more to it than just tools. White has quietly emerged as a clubhouse leader and was identified as a potential core piece for the future, hence the early extension. His defensive profile is louder than his bat, but his bat shouldn't be underestimated, nor should his value to the team.

5. George Kirby. 

Some scouts saw a lot of Logan Gilbert in Kirby around the time of the draft and it's easy to see why. He has the potential to have 3 plus pitches, which are complemented by excellent control. He's a little further out than Gilbert, but he should be in the 2022 conversation. He has front-line potential, but will likely end up a number 3 or 4 starter.

6. Noelvi Marte. 

Like Rodriguez, Marte was an international signee who quickly impressed. The first thing that jumps out is his speed. He might be the fastest Mariner prospect I've ever seen, but his talent doesn't stop there. He has a strong arm and has shown good hand-eye coordination. There's potential for power and the ability to hit above average. Don't be surprised if he ends up being a 5-tool player. There seems to be some question whether or not he'll stick at short due to his projected size. A move to the hot corner or center field may be in the cards, but he should be an asset wherever he plays. He might end up being Seattle's number one prospect after Julio and Jarred graduate. We should get a look at him stateside in 2020.

7. Brandon Williamson. 

Brandon didn't get too much attention early, but he should get plenty now. He has a plus fastball along with a solid slider, curve, and change-up. He stands out a bit from other pitchers in the system due to massive spin rates and break. Few pitchers get the kind of movement he gets, and he's just getting started. He should start 2020 in West Virginia, but may find himself fast-tracked to Arkansas.

Justin Dunn, Kyle Lewis, and Justus Sheffield are all arguably equally talented, but the flags with those three give a little more pause for thought. Will Lewis be able to cut down on the K's and improve his contact? Will Sheffield's lack of a strong fastball make him better served as a reliever? Will Dunn offer enough innings to justify a spot in the rotation, or is he better served as a swing-man? We'll likely find out soon, but the concerns with the seven listed here are less alarming for the time being. So, be sure to read into this too far and make a heated rebuttal.

This list will likely change after the draft and again after Gilbert graduates. In fact, it's possible the number six pick will simply replace Gilbert on this list. That would be convenient for an update, but we offer no guarantees with anything, other than plenty of rambling.

Now, let's discuss The Magnificent Seven...