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

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

2009: Steve Baron – C – John A. Ferguson High School (Miami, FL) – Pick 33 (Supplemental)

The Mariners selected Steve Baron out of John A. Ferguson High in Miami, FL in the supplemental round of the 2009 draft. Baron graded out as a plus defender behind the plate in high school, but had a questionable offensive skill set.

Baron has yet to reach the Majors, but remains in the Mariners’ organization. The now 24-year-old started the 2015 season with the M’s AA affiliate in Jackson before earning a promotion to Tacoma. Baron has a career slash line of .222/.276/.333 across 7 seasons in the minor leagues. He has combined to hit just 1 home run in his last 97 games.

The young catcher has done a nice job defensively throughout his minor league career. Baron has gunned down 44% of potential base stealers, and has registered a .986 fielding percentage across 417 games.

2015 may be Steve Baron’s best season as a pro. Through 37 games in Jackson, Baron hit .243 and posted a .362 on base percentage. He is never going to hit for a high average, but he has developed incredible patience at the plate, and he rarely strikes out. He has only played 2 games with the Rainiers, but has already nursed 2 walks. He has also recorded a .993 fielding percentage between Jackson and Tacoma.

Baron will likely never be more than a backup at the big league level, but that is still a pretty solid return on investment for a supplemental round pick.

Next: Taijuan Walker