Seattle Mariners Top 30 Prospects

He’s probably not a shortstop long-term, but ruling it out isn’t wise at this juncture, nor is understimating Emerson’s ceiling.

Young‘s operation is incredibly efficient and he’s added strength and a swing adjustment, unlocking some pop that should carry him to the majors as an everyday player with solid-average tools across the board.

Celesten has yet to play a pro game, but may have the biggest upside of any prospect in the system. His pure shortstop skills come with a chance at above-average power, perhaps plus from the left side. Oh, yeah, he’s a switch hitter, too.

Montes is probably a first baseman and bat-only prospect, but he’s developed as a hitter quickly at age 18 and if he can maintain reasonable contact rates there’s some Ryan Howard vibes here.

Peete was one of three first-round picks by Seattle last July and already has drawn some Didi Gregorius comps, though the scouting lean is he’ll move off shortstop before reaching the big leagues. He’s just getting started and has work to do on controlling the zone, but the raw power is rather huge and at third or in the outfield his arm and athleticism should allow for above-average value.

Smith, another in the club’s most recent draft class, is a five-tool athlete who showed advanced plate skills and speed in 22 pro games last summer. There may be some centerfield in the glove, and if he can develop a swing more conducive to contact, he has at least a chance to be a regular.

McGraw is a three-pitch college arm with a chance to move quickly, but his spotty command and multiple UCL surgeries suggest it will be in a relief role, where he may sit in the mid-to-upper 90s with a plus slider.

Ford touched 97 mph as a prep star and flashed an above-average slider. He’s deceptive and has shown some feel for a traditional changeup. There’s effort in the delivery, however, and some reliever risk exsists as he fights through the lower minors.

Hunt is a solid Triple-A catcher with above-average defense and a chance to be a power-over-hit bat in the big leagues. After coming over from the Rays in a minor trade this winter, Hunt is the first in line for the big leagues should the Mariners need help behind the dish.

Phillips, picked up in the salry dump trade that sent Jarred Kelenic to Atlanta, was a first-round talent until he needed elbow surgery, but has yet to throw a professional pitch. Until he gets on the mound, his status is frozen, but pre-surgery he was mid-90s with a promising slider, future average changeup, and solid command.

Taylor was just picked up from the Kansas City Royals and has a chance to serve as valuable depth for the Mariners in 2024. He can really run and his outfield defense is just good enough to suggest a 26th-man role on a team that values speed and defensive versatility.

VanScoter is the quintessential command-and-feel southpaw, touching the low-90s but commanding everything, including two breaking balls. He won’t miss a lot of bats, but the fastball moves and he works all three pitches to both sides.