Mariners News: Nick Neidert and Andrew Moore Climbing Up the M’s Farm System

A pair of M’s pitching prospects are moving up the ranks in the minor leagues.

Pitchers Nick Neidert and Andrew Moore, the Seattle Mariners’ first two picks in the 2015 draft, have each been promoted down on the farm.

Neidert, the 60th overall pick in 2015, was promoted to Class-A Clinton and Moore, the 72nd overall selection, got promoted to AA Jackson.

During Spring Training we listed our own top 20 prospects here on SoDo Mojo that included both Neidert at number seven and Moore at number 10.

In 2015 with the Arizona League Mariners, Nick Neidert showed promise in 11 starts after being drafted in June. He finished the year 0-2 with an ERA of 1.53 over 35.1 innings of work. Neidert struck out 23 while walking nine with opponents batting just .198 against him.

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The 6’1″ 180 pound kid has a well rounded arsenal of pitches, including a fastball that sits in the low 90s and has peaked at 96. He also throws a hard curve, a changeup and a slider, which the Mariners introduced to him last season.

So far this year, the 19-year-old has been in extended spring training and has now been assigned to Clinton. The righty made his first start last night against the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, again showing he has what it takes to keep climbing through the system. Neidert lasted 5 innings, giving up just one run on four hits while striking up 3.

Andrew Moore, 21 and turning 22 on June 2, isn’t quite as raw as Neidert after having been drafted out of Oregon State. He is mainly a fastball/changeup pitcher who sits around 90-92 mph. He also throws a curveball and slider that still need work in order to be major league pitches.

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The 6-foot righty spent last year in Everett after being drafted in June and made 8 starts while appearing in 14 games. Moore finished with a record of 1-1 with a 2.08 ERA while striking out 43 and walking only two in 39 innings pitched.

This season, Moore started out down with the Bakersfield Blaze throwing 54 innings over 9 starts. He has held opposing hitters to just a .188 batting average while striking out 47 and walking 13. Moore has yet to really struggle down in the minor leagues. Other than his walks going up this season from last, it is still to small of a sample size to really say he’s struggling with walks.

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I expect both Neidert and Moore to have a bit of a learning curve ahead of them. They may struggle over their next couple starts, but that’s just normal growing pains for young pitchers. These young arms are definitely worth keeping an eye on down in the farm, and you could see them moving up again before too long.