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

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

2011: Danny Hultzen – LHP – University of Virginia – Pick 2

Picking 2nd has not been kind to the Mariners in recent drafts. A couple years after the club selected Dustin Ackley, Jack Z picked another colossal disappointment 2nd overall. Danny Hulten was drafted so high in part because he was projected to reach the Majors very quickly. However, M’s fans have yet to see Hultzen throw a pitch at Safeco Field in the 4 years since.

Injuries have played a huge role in Hultzen’s demise, as he has fared well when healthy. He was thought to be the member of the big 3 (Hultzen, Walker, James Paxton) who would reach Seattle first. The southpaw made it to Tacoma in 2012, and was off to a great start with the Rainiers before suffering a shoulder injury. He tried to pitch through the issue, but ultimately required surgery. Hultzen proceeded to miss the entire 2014 season recovering from surgery.

Hultzen is attempting a comeback with the M’s AA affiliate in Jackson, although he was just placed on the DL with should fatigue. He appeared in a spring training game this past March, and has 3 starts this season with the Jackson Generals. The 25-year-old has not allowed a run in his 8.0 innings, and has recorded 8 strikeouts.

Once ranked by MLB.com as the 16th best prospect in the league, Hultzen will likely never be the front line starter Seattle hoped he would be. However, Danny still has a great chance to play in the big leagues if he can find a way to stay on the field. A shift to the bullpen may be a wise move if he cannot stay healthy as a starter.

Next: Mike Zunino