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Mariners News: M’s Select USD SS Bryson Brigman in 3rd Round

By Brian Helberg

Apr 8, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics coaches, staff and players wait for the national anthem to be performed at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners and Oakland Athletics coaches, staff and players wait for the national anthem to be performed at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Mariners selected 20-year-old shortstop, Bryson Brigman, with their 3rd round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft.

The Seattle Mariners picked a position player for the third consecutive round in the 3rd, selecting Bryson Brigman from the University of San Diego. The sophomore shortstop was previously drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 40th round of the 2014 draft, but opted not to sign.

Brigman has put together an impressive resume during his time with the Toreros. He led the club with a .372 batting average while posting a .428 on base percentage and slugging .424 across 47 games in 2016. Brigman tallied 8 doubles, 1 triple, 0 home runs, 22 RBI and 17 stolen bases through 191 at bats. His 19:16 strikeout to walk ratio suggests he has a mature approach at the plate.

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The 20-year-old middle infielder was a star long before he ever set foot on the USD campus. Brigman was named a 3rd team All-American by Rawlings-Perfect Game following his senior season at Valley Christian High School in 2014. He graded out as the 24th best prospect in California (5th best shortstop) and the 135th best prospect in the country (20th best shortstop).

Scouts rave about Brigman’s approach at the plate and his ability to consistently make contact. His electrifying speed puts pressure on the defense, and he is a gifted base stealer. The 5’11/180 pound shortstop is in some ways a smaller version of the M’s 5th round pick in 2015 and reigning Northwest League MVP, Drew Jackson.

The major question marks surrounding Brigman are his lack of power and shaky defense. Brigman did not hit any homers in 2016, and he is unlikely to ever hit more than a handful in a given season. He is not a bad defender up the middle, but a move to second base is likely in his future.

Here is what MLB.com had to say regarding the M’s 3rd round pick.

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"“While there might be a lack of impact college bats in the Class of 2016, there is a cluster of middle infielders who should be of interest over the first few rounds. Brigman, a draft-eligible sophomore with a track record of success at San Diego and for Team USA, could be the first to come off the board. Brigman does a lot of things fairly well, though no single tool is plus. After missing the start of the season to recover from a sports hernia, he came back playing well. He’s been faster out of the batter’s box than he’d been previously, though that increased speed hasn’t necessarily translated to the defensive side of the game. He’s a capable defender, though most see him moving over to second base for him to have the chance to be an everyday player. He makes consistent contact with a solid approach, albeit without power, and he can steal some bases now and again. A team taking Brigman early might give him the chance to stick at short, but his ability to play second should also work in his favor.”"

Assuming the San Jose, CA native signs, he will likely begin his Mariners career with the Everett AquaSox in the Northwest League. Jerry Dipoto and his staff will probably be somewhat aggressive with Brigman due to his experience in the college ranks.

Next: M’s Select High School 3B Joe Rizzo in Second Round

Bryson Brigman may not have a true standout tool, but he has a chance to be a quality complimentary player for the Mariners in the near future. Based on his athleticism and ability to make contact, Brigman could make for an intriguing utility infield option in a few years.

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