How are the Mariners Top Prospects Faring this Spring?

Mar 16, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; General view of the field prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2016; Peoria, AZ, USA; General view of the field prior to the game between the Seattle Mariners and the San Francisco Giants at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 12
Next
Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Tyler Smith (78) flips the ball to second base against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners shortstop Tyler Smith (78) flips the ball to second base against the San Diego Padres during a spring training baseball game at Peoria Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Smith – SS

The Oregon State alum placed 19th in SoDo Mojo’s rankings, but Tyler Smith has exceeded expectations this spring in Peoria. He has slashed .316/.381/.421 across 19 Cactus League at bats. Smitty has clubbed a pair of doubles, drove in 1 run, scored 3 and stole a base in 10 games.

Smith tore up the Southern League last season with the Jackson Generals. He posted an impressive .271/.361/.354 slash line through 443 at bats in AA. He contributed 24 doubles, 2 triples, 3 home runs and 32 RBI across 121 games with the Generals. Smith is an incredibly patient hitter, and he nursed 61 free passes in 2015.

Originally selected in the 8th round of the 2013 draft, Smith appears to be on the fast track to Seattle. The 24-year-old’s strong performance this spring could catapult him into the big leagues at some point in 2016.

Next: Cousino's continues to struggle offensively