How have the Seattle Mariners Top Prospects Fared this Spring?

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MLB.com released their annual list of the top 30 prospects in the Seattle Mariners’ organization on Monday morning. There are some familiar names on the list, but there is also a fair amount of new faces. Jonathan Mayo, scouting guru for MLB.com, broke down the list, and discussed some of his favorites.

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The Mariners have a very balanced list of top prospects. There are two catchers, two first basemen, three third basemen, and three shortstops on the list. Eight of the Mariners top 30 prospects are outfielders. The M’s have 12 hurlers on the list, six righties and six southpaws. The Mariners are a very deep organization at nearly every position, and this list speaks to the job General Manager Jack Zduriencik and his staff has done drafting.

Aug 24, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; American catcher

Alex Jackson

(10) rounds second base during the 2013 Under Armour All-American Baseball game at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

Alex Jackson is considered to be the Mariners’ top prospect entering the 2015 season. Jackson was selected sixth overall by the M’s this past June in the 2014 amateur draft. Jackson performed nicely for Seattle in the Arizona League, hitting .280 with 2 home runs and 16 RBI’s across 94 at bats. Jackson was a catcher in high school, but he projects as a corner outfielder in the big leagues. MLB.com assigns grades from 20-80 for each tool a player possesses. Jackson leads the Mariners organization with a 60 hit tool and a 60 power tool. Nobody in the M’s system has more potential than Jackson, and you may see the 19-year-old in a Mariners’ uniform as early as 2017.

Many of the names featured on the list have played for the Mariners this spring in Cactus League action. Click through to the next slide to take a more in-depth look at the players who have seen significant time in a Mariners’ uniform this spring.

Mar 15, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners third baseman D.J. Peterson (46) bats against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

#2 – D.J. Peterson – 3B/1B

MLB.com has deemed D.J. Peterson the second best prospect in the Mariners system. The M’s selected Peterson in the first round of the 2013 draft, and he has ascended quickly through the organization. The 23-year-old represented Seattle at the 2014 Futures Game, and a share of the Mariners Minor League Player of the Year award in 2014.

The Mariners are taking a long look at D.J. Peterson this spring in Tempe. The powerful right-hander has appeared in 11 of the 13 games thus far. Peterson made a strong first impression when he hit a home run in his first at bat of the spring, but he has not fared so well since. He is hitting .185 in Cactus League action with 1 home run and 3 RBI’s across 27 at bats. He has looked a little shake manning the hot corner, but Peterson has made some standout plays at first base.

D.J. Peterson started 2014 with the High Desert Mavericks. After tearing up the California League, Peterson was promoted to the Jackson Generals. The Gilbert, AZ product was a class above his competition last season, posting a .297 batting average, with 31 home runs and 111 RBI’s. Peterson registered an impressive .361 on base percentage, and slugged .552.

Look for D.J. Peterson to start the season with either the Jackson Generals or the Tacoma Rainiers. However, it would not surprise me in the least to see Peterson in the Emerald City at some point during the 2015 season. I expect Peterson to get a chance to compete with Logan Morrison for the starting job at first base in 2016.

Next: Ketel Marte

Mar 15, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Ketel Marte (72) swings at a pitch against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

#3 – Ketel Marte – SS

The experts at MLB.com have ranked 20-year-old shortstop, Ketel Marte, as the Mariners’ third best prospect. Marte is a speedy switch-hitting middle infielder. MLB.com has assigned Marte an organizational best 65 grade for his wheels.

Ketel Marte is another youngster who is getting a lot of reps this spring in Peoria. Marte has appeared in 12 of the 13 games thus far in spring training. The Dominican Republic product has performed nicely with the stick, hitting .286 with 1 triple, 2 RBI’s, and 3 stolen bases. His defense has been a different story. Marte has been awful at short, committing 5 errors in 52.2 innings.

Ketel Marte was hotter than a boiling kettle last season. Marte began the 2014 season with the Jackson Generals before earning a promotion to the Tacoma Rainiers of the Pacific Coast League. The 20-year-old hit .304 with 4 home runs, 54 RBI’s, and 29 stolen bases across 523 at bats. Marte posted a .335 on base percentage and slugged .411 last season. Marte was rewarded for his efforts with the Mariners Heart and Soul Award.

I would anticipate another season in Tacoma for the 20-year-old, but he has all the makings of a top of the order bat for Seattle in the future. I think with the Mariners current situation at short, they have the luxury of being patient with Marte.

Next: Patrick Kivlehan

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Patrick Kivlehan poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#4 – Patrick Kivlehan – 3B/1B

The Mariners selected Patrick Kivlehan in the fourth round of the 2012 draft out of Rutgers University. Kivlehan is another player who has been on the fast track to the big leagues over the past 12 months. The 25-year-old was a co-winner of the Mariners Minor League player of the year in 2014.

The Mariners are intrigued by Patrick Kivlehan’s potential, and they are giving him plenty of opportunities early in spring training. Kivlehan has appeared in 9 games thus far, and is hitting .294 with 1 double, 1 home run, and 3 RBI’s. He has looked like a mature hitter at the plate, and he has shown good versatility defensively. He has played third base, first base, and left field this spring for the M’s.

Patrick Kivlehan started the 2014 season playing for the High Desert Mavericks of the California League, and earned a mid-season promotion to the Jackson Generals of the Southern League. The 25-year-year old lit up the minor leagues last season, hitting .295 with 20 home runs and 103 RBI’s. He posted a .363 on base percentage and slugged .507. Kivlehan’s numbers actually improved after his promotion, which is a great sign for Seattle and Kivlehan.

While breaking camp with the big club may overly optimistic, I could certainly envision Kivlehan getting a September call-up if he continues to impress the Mariners’ brass. A right-handed hitter with plus power is exactly what Seattle is looking for, thus Kivlehan is a name to keep an eye on in 2015. Kivlehan has the ability to play first base, and the athleticism to play a corner outfield spot, which is something he may have to utilize with All Star third baseman Kyle Seager manning the hot corner for the foreseeable future in Seattle.

Next: Tyler Marlette

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Tyler Marlette poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#9 – Tyler Marlette – C

The Seattle Mariners selected Tyler Marlette out of high school in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. Marlette is considered a good offensive backstop, who still has to work on his defense.

Marlette has winded his way through the Mariners’ system, but the 22-year-old received an extended look this spring. Marlette appeared in four games with the Mariners this spring, and he held his own. The Oviedo, FL product was sent down to the minor league camp on Sunday, but he went 3 for 5 at the plate prior to the demotion.

Marlette began the 2014 season with the Mavericks of High Desert before being promoted to Jackson in August. The 22-year-old hit .297 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI’s across 344 at bats last season. He registered a .349 on base percentage and slugged .517.

The Mariners will likely opt to sent Tyler back to Jackson to open the 2015 season, but a mid-season promotion to Tacoma is not out of the question. Marlette has plenty of offensive upside, and he should be competing for the backup catcher job by 2017.

Next: Carson Smith

Sep 26, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners relief pitcher Carson Smith (39) pitches to the Los Angeles Angels during the eighth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

#10 – Carson Smith – RHP

Carson Smith actually made his big league debut last September, but because of his low service time he is still considered a prospect. The M’s selected Smith in the eighth round of the 2011 draft out of Texas State University. Smith’s three quarters delivery causes hitters problems, as does his 95 mph fastball, and biting slider.

After dominating last September in Seattle, the 25-year-old righty has been inconsistent thus far in spring training. Smith has pitched four innings in Cactus League play, and he currently has a 4.50 ERA. He has been uncharacteristically wild, walking four hitters. Smith is widely regarded as a strikeout pitcher, but he has tallied only two this spring. It is still early, but Smith will have to turn it on if he hopes to earn a spot in the vaunted Mariners’ bullpen.

Carson Smith shined in 2014. Smith made his big league debut this season in Seattle, but he spent much of the season hurling in Tacoma for the Rainiers. Smith went 1-3, with a 2.93 ERA, 45 K’s and 13 walks across 43 innings of work in Triple-A. Those numbers were good enough to warrant a promotion to the M’s on September 1^st, and Smith took full advantage of the opportunity. In 8.1 innings of work, Smith went 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA, 10 strikeouts and 3 walks. Smith held opponents to a .077 batting average in Seattle.

Smith appeared to be a virtual lock to make the club this spring, but some shaky outings has called his status into question. I would not be surprised to see Smith begin the year with the Rainiers before getting called up to Seattle in May or June. Smith has future set-up man written all over him, and he could even get a look at being a closer at this level.

Next: John Hicks

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher John Hicks poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#14 – John Hicks – C

John Hicks was originally drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 draft out of the University of Virginia. The 26-year-old backstop has fared well thus far in spring training, going 3 for 9 with 1 double and 1 RBI. Hicks has appeared in 7 games this spring, and he has done a nice job defensively.

The Goochland, VA product started last season with the Jackson Generals of the Southern League, before earning a promotion to the Tacoma Rainiers in early July. Hicks posted a .290 batting average with 5 home runs and 47 RBI’s across 290 plate appearances between Jackson and Tacoma. Hicks registered a .351 on base percentage and slugged .403 in 2014. Hicks recorded a .996 fielding percentage last season, and threw out 38% of potential base stealers.

While it is unlikely John Hicks breaks camp with the M’s, I could see him making his big league debut at some point during the 2015 season. Hicks could use a tad bit more seasoning and should start the year with the Rainiers.

Next: Jordy Lara

#16 – Jordy Lara – 1B/OF

Jordy Lara was an unexpected star in the minors last season for the Mariners. The 23-year-old was so impressive that the Mariners opted to give him an extended look early in spring training. Lara appeared in 8 games for the M’s before he was sent down the minor league camp on Sunday. He hit the ball hard for the Mariners, but only posted a .231 average with 1 home run and 1 RBI across 13 at bats. He played first base, third base, and left field this spring.

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Jordy Lara poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Lara began last season with the High Desert Mavericks of the California League before being promoted to the Generals of Jackson. Jordy was incredible in 2014, hitting .337 with 26 home runs and 104 RBI’s over the course of 525 at bats. He posted a .392 on base percentage and slugged .581.

The Mariners were wise to give Jordy Lara a look this spring, but he is destined to begin the 2015 campaign back in Jackson with the Generals. Lara only played in 33 games in the Southern League last season, and he could do with a bit more experience there. However, he should get the chance to play for the Tacoma Rainiers at some point this season.

Next: Julio Morban

Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners left fielder Julio Morban (70) follows through on a swing against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

#21 – Julio Morban – OF

Julio Morban struggled in 2014, but was still given a shot to impress early in Cactus League play. Morban’s struggles followed him to Arizona as he hit just .111 across 9 at bats this spring. The Mainers optioned the 23-year-old outfielder down to the minor league camp on Sunday.

The Dominican Republic native started the 2014 season with the Jackson Generals before getting a chance to play for the Mariners’ Triple-A affiliate in Tacoma. Morban had trouble offensively last season, hitting just .248 with 1 home run and 18 RBI’s across 214 at bats. He registered a .309 on base percentage and slugged .322.

It was an easy decision for the Mariners to transfer Julio Morban to the minor league camp, and his future likely hangs on his performance this season. Morban will start the season in either Tacoma or Jackson, and he is not a good bet to play for Seattle in 2015.

Next: Danny Hultzen

#25 – Danny Hultzen – LHP

Danny Hultzen has been one of the most interesting prospects in the Mariners’ organization for years. M’s fans finally got a chance to see the 25-year-old pitch this spring. Hultzen’s performance was encouraging, as he pitched a scoreless frame last week. The Mariners decided to send the young southpaw down to minor league camp on Sunday.

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Danny Hultzen poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The former no.2 overall pick from the University of Virginia missed the entire 2014 season after having major shoulder surgery on October 1^st, 2013. Hultzen was billed as an advanced college southpaw, who should make the Majors quickly when he was drafted back in 2011. Hultzen was on schedule to make his big league debut last season, but his career has been derailed by injuries. Over 32 career minor league starts, Hultzen has gone 14-8 with a 2.82 ERA, but since the beginning of 2013 Danny has made just 7 starts.

This will be an important season for the former top prospect, as his chances may be running out. Danny Hultzen is expected to be on a strict innings limit in 2015 to protect his arm. Whether Hultzen’s destiny is to start games, or come out of the pen in relief is still to be determined. If the 24-year-old lefty can stay healthy this season, it is conceivable that he could make an impact on the Mariners in 2016.

Next: David Rollins

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher David Rollins poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

#26 – David Rollins – LHP

Surprisingly, the lowest rated player on this list has the best chance to make the Mariners’ opening day roster. David Rollins is an unheralded lefty who has really turned some heads early in spring training. Rollins has made three appearances for the M’s this month, and he has pitched 5.1 shutout innings. The 25-year-old has allowed two hits, but has yet to walk anyone. Rollins gets some zip on his fastball, and has recorded six strikeouts.

Originally a 24^th round selection of the Toronto Blue Jays, David Rollins has spent the last two seasons in the Houston Astros Organization. Rollins played the entire 2014 season with the Astros Double-A affiliate in Corpus Christi. The Dallas, TX product went 3-4 with a 3.81 ERA across 78.0 innings with the Hooks last season. He is considered a strikeout pitcher, and last season he averaged 8.9 punch outs per 9 innings. Rollins does a nice job throwing strikes, and he issued just 2.5 free passes per 9 innings in 2014.

David Rollins has officially been drafted on three separate occasions by the Seattle Mariners. The first time was when they selected him in the 24^th round out of high school in 2009, however the two sides were unable to reach an agreement. The following year the M’s stole Rollins in the 47^th round, but again the two sides could not come together. The past offseason the Mariners finally got their man, picking Rollins in the rule 5 draft from the Houston Astros. Since Rollins is a rule 5 pick, he has to remain on Seattle’s 25-man roster for the entirety of the 2015 season, or else he is returned to the Astros.

Next: Seattle Mariners Spring Battles: Backup Catcher

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