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

2014: Alex Jackson – OF – Rancho Bernardo High School (San Diego, CA) – Pick 6

The general consensus last year was that the M’s stole Alex Jackson with the 6th overall pick. Jackson graded out as having big time power potential, and some were even comparing him to Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. I was not quite ready to go that far, but I really liked the pick.

Jackson has obviously had a very small sample size, but he has been a disappointment thus far in his career. AJ hit .280 with 2 home runs and 16 RBI’s across 82 at bast last season in rookie ball. This season he has fallen off a cliff. Jackson is hitting .157 with 0 home runs and 13 RBI’s through 28 games this season with the Clinton LumberKings. The Mariners have said that Jackson attempted to play through a shoulder ailment this spring, and has now been shut down to recover.

The good news is that Alex Jackson played like a big time prospect this spring for the Mariners in spring training. At just 19-years-old, Jackson hit .222 with 1 home run and 1 RBI across 5 games in Cactus League action. He entered the season ranked as the 28th best prospect according to MLB.com, and I am not overly worried about his struggles this season. Jackson is very young, and is as naturally talented as anyone in the organization.

It is far too early to throw in the towel on a player who could one day be the face of the franchise.

Next: 2015 Draft