Mariners Analysis: M’s Former 1st Round Picks, Where are they Now?

May 29, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners second baseman Nick Franklin (6) turns the double play to put Los Angeles Angels catcher Hank Conger (16) and left fielder Grant Green (not pictured) out during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

2009: Nick Franklin – SS – Lake Brantley High School (Altamonte Springs, FL) – Pick 27

Nick Franklin was selected by the M’s out of Lake Brantley High School just 2 picks after the Los Angeles Angels picked some guy named Mike Trout. Franklin was considered to be a high upside middle infield prospect with plus hit and power tools.

Franklin showed well at every level of the minor leagues for the M’s, posting a career .284/.362/.450 slash line. He moved very quickly through the system for a high school player, reaching the big leagues as a 22-year-old in 2013. In his debut campaign, Franklin hit .225 with 12 home runs and 45 RBI’s though 412 plate appearances. He registered a .303 on base percentage and slugged .382 as a rookie in 2013.

Franklin showed glimpses of what made him such a high pick, but never fully put it together during his time in Seattle. The M’s shipped Franklin to Tampa Bay last season at the trade deadline as part of the 3-team deal that saw David Price end up in Detroit and Austin Jackson in Seattle.

M’s fans have had a great opportunity to see Nick Franklin play the past couple of weeks as the Rays and Mariners played 7 games against each other since May 25th. Franklin is mired a miserable slump right now, but the 24-year-old switch-hitter still possesses plenty of potential.

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