MLB Draft: Top 5 First Round Draft Picks in Seattle Mariners History

#4

Adam Jones

I apologize in advance for the bringing up another recent bad memory with this draft pick. But let’s struggle through this pick together, shall we?

The Seattle Mariners selected Adam Jones number 37 overall in the 2003 amateur draft. He was brought into the minor league system as a shortstop and right handed pitcher. But when the Mariners acquired Yuniesky Betancourt, the ball club decided to convert Jones to the outfield.

In 2006, Jones received the call up to play for the big league ball club. He made an immediate impression on the defensive side playing center field and showing off his range and great catching ability.

His bat never heated up as the Mariners projected, so the team traded him away to the Baltimore Orioles in 2008 to acquire starting pitcher Erik Bedard. Most recent fans remember Bedard as one of the biggest busts for the Mariners regarding his constant injuries and short lived seasons. On the other hand, Adam Jones was a different story.

Jones is already a three time All-Star, a three time Gold Glove Award winner, and received the Silver Slugger award in 2013.

He is arguably the best defensive center fielder in the game today, and is batting in the three hole for the offensively stacked Baltimore Orioles. Mariners fans can all exhale now, this pick is never coming back.