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Mariners Top 20 Prospects: #17 LHP Nick Wells
Nick Wells comes in at number 17 in SoDo Mojo’s countdown of the 20 prospects in the Mariners organization.
The Seattle Mariners acquired Nick Wells in 2015 as part of the return package from the Toronto Blue Jays for Mark Lowe. Wells is a lanky left-handed pitcher (6’5/185 lbs.), who has a legitimate chance to take up a spot in the M’s starting rotation in the future.
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Originally selected in the third round of the 2014 draft, Wells made his professional debut with the Blue Jays affiliate in the Gulf Coast League. He struggled during his first taste of pro ball, going 1-3 with a 5.71 ERA across 11 appearances in 2014. Wells struck out 18 and walked 11 through 34.2 innings pitched. Most disturbing of all, the opposition tallied 1.587 walks/hits per inning.
The Blue Jays opted to play it safe with Wells in 2015, and sent him to the Bluefield Blue Jays of the Appalachian League. Wells showcased a more mature approach on the bump, but his numbers still left something to be desired. He went 1-2 with a 4.78 ERA through 7 outings with 31 strikeouts and 11 walks. Wells had trouble keeping the ball in the yard, as he surrendered 4 home runs in 32 innings.
The 19-year-old southpaw was assigned to the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League following his trade to Seattle midway through the 2015 season. Wells excelled with the AquaSox, going 1-0 with a 1.00 ERA across 4 appearances. He recorded 16 punch outs and issued 4 free passes in 18 innings. Wells limited the opposition to just 0.556 walks/hits per inning, and registered a 4.00 strikeout to walk ratio.
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Wells relies heavily on his fastball, and it’s a good one. Consistently touching 93 mph on the gun, his fastball is his best pitch. Wells is still developing his secondary offerings, but his curveball has improved in each of his first two seasons. His arsenal also features a changeup. Wells’ current focus is learning how to repeat his delivery.
The Mariners are likely to be very patient with the Haymarket, VA product as he progresses through the system. Look for the M’s to keep Wells in extended spring training to start the 2016 season. I would expect him to get a couple of starts with the Clinton LumberKings before returning to Everrett to play for the AquaSox next summer.
Next: Seattle Mariners Season Preview: Ketel Marte
Nick Wells is still very young, but he has big league potential. His frame suggests he is best suited for the starting rotation, but only time will tell if he performs well enough to earn the gig. One thing is for sure, Wells will be an intriguing arm to keep an eye on in 2016 and beyond.