Seattle Mariners Top 20 Prospects: #19 Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith could be an unexpected contributor for the Seattle Mariners during the 2016 season.

Here at SoDo Mojo we are counting down the top 20 prospects in the Seattle Mariners minor-league system. Jonathan Aro kicked off the list on Monday, coming in at number 20. Today we will take a look at Tyler Smith, a 24-year-old shortstop who could make his big league debut during the 2016 season.

Originally selected in the 8th round of the 2013 draft, Smith appears to be on the fast track to Seattle. He tore up the Southern League last season with the Jackson Generals. Smith posted an impressive .271/.361/.354 slash line through 443 at bats in AA. He contributed 24 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 32 RBI across 121 games with the Generals. Smith is an incredibly patient hitter, and he nursed 61 free passes in 2015.

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The M’s opted to send Smith to the Arizona Fall League in 2015. He struggled against the top young players in the game, hitting just .231 with 1 home run and 7 RBI across 20 games. Smith also posted a .287 on base percentage and slugged .333 in 87 plate appearances.

Smith began his professional career with the now defunct Pulaski Mariners of the Appalachian League. He starred with Pulaski, hitting .320 with 16 doubles, 3 triples, 2 home runs, 34 RBI and 12 stolen bases across 52 games. Smith posted a .394 on base percentage and slugged .460 through 233 plate appearances.

The Oregon State alum skipped the A level in 2014, and was sent to the High Desert Mavericks of the California League to begin the season. Smith continued to excel, hitting .286 with 9 home runs and 44 RBI in 108 games. He swiped 11 bases, registered a .378 on base percentage and slugged .428 in 492 plate appearances. Smith finished the season with the Jackson Generals, where he hit .271 over the final 20 games of the year. His mature approach at the plate was showcased during the 2014 season, as he worked 73 walks with the Mavericks and Generals.

Smith is an above average defender at shortstop and second base. He is a good athlete and he boasts solid range at second base and shortstop. Many have suggested his arm is strong enough to play third base in a pinch. Demonstrating the ability to play third base in 2016 would add significant value to Smith. Ketel Marte and Robinson Cano are locked as the M’s middle infielders, and making the club in a utility role is Smith’s most likely route to the Emerald City.

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Smith has also been very productive with the Mariners in spring training action. He is hitting .375 with 1 home run and 8 RBI across 21 games with the M’s in Cactus League play. Smith has registered a .429 on base percentage and slugged .563 through 32 at bats. It should be interesting to see what he can do this spring in Peoria, as he should get a long look in big league camp.

Tyler Smith is not a flashy prospect, but he is the type of player who coaches love. He puts the ball in play consistently and gets on base as well as anyone in the organization. Smith is a heady player who has the potential to be a valuable utility player in the future. He is also very popular with his fellow players, and scouts are quick to praise his leadership abilities. Smith plays the right way, and those kinds of players tend to have surprisingly long big league careers.

Next: Seattle Signs RHP Joel Peralta to Minor-League Deal

I do not expect Smith to make the Mariners out of spring training in 2016. There is a log jam up the middle right now with Chris Taylor, Luis Sardinas and Shawn O’Malley expected to compete for the utility infielder gig. However, I can see Smith calling Safeco Field home at some this season if he can continue to produce in the minors.

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