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Sod Mojo’s Top 10 Mariners Prospects: #1 Kyle Lewis

By ColPatnode |
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners 2016 first round draft pick Kyle Lewis walks past scouts during batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - JUNE 11: Seattle Mariners 2016 first round draft pick Kyle Lewis walks past scouts during batting practice before a game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field on June 11, 2016 in Seattle, Washington. The Rangers won the game 2-1 in eleven innings. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)

The Seattle Mariners #1 prospect, and the only Mariner prospect on most Top 100 list, is 2016 first round pick Kyle Lewis. After some speculation that Lewis might be dealt at the deadline, he stayed put and is currently raking in Advanced A ball.

The Mariners felt fortunate for Kyle Lewis to fall to the team with the 11th pick of the 2016 draft. A consensus Top 5 pick entering the draft, Lewis fell thanks to teams ahead of the Mariners cutting below slot deals with other prospects.

Lewis got off to an amazing start in Low A Everret, hitting .299/.385/.530 in 30 games, before a collision at home plate forced him to have major surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee. Lewis worked hard, and was able to return without any major setbacks. After a brief stint in the AZL, the team moved Lewis ahead to Advanced A Modesto.

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In 14 games with the Nuts, Lewis is hitting .307/.379/.558 with 4 home runs. The Mariners are still being cautious with their prized prospect, managing his play time carefully. A stint in the Arizona Fall  League is not out of the question.

Lewis poses all the tool necessary to be a middle of the order, impact bat in the Majors. He uses his big 6’4 225lb frame to generate easy power to all fields. He is more than just a power hitting prospect. A solid approach and willingness to use the whole field means he should also poses a plus on base tool.

A big leg kick can sometimes lead to an elongated swing, which makes him a candidate to have some swing and miss in his game. But Lewis rarely chases poor pitches, showing he is a polished young hitter.

There were some questions before his knee injury as to whether Lewis could stick in centerfield. He does not poses the top end speed of most center fielders. However; he has fantastic instincts and takes excellent routes to the baseball. The injury makes it less likely that he will stick in center, but he should be an excellent right fielder, with more than enough arm to handle the position.

Lewis also scores high marks for his character and work ethic. He endeared himself to Mariners fans by staying late after games to sign autographs for kids. The Mariners believe that Lewis can be a face of the franchise type of player. The most common comp is to one time Mariner Adam Jones.

Next: Mariners are 1 back of a wild card spot, still

Scout Grades(20-80): Hit:55 Power:65 Run:55 Field:55 Arm:55 Overall Future Potential : 60, Middle of the order contributor

Final Top 10 List

  1. Kyle Lewis
  2. Evan White
  3. Sam Carlson
  4. Julio Rodriguez
  5. Nick Neidert
  6. Marco Gonzales*
  7. Andrew Moore
  8. Daniel Vogebach
  9. Braden Bishop
  10. Anyhony Jiminez**

* Marco Gonzales enters the list for Tyler O’Neill, who was ranked #5 before trade

** Jiminez enters after Brayan Hernandez was traded for David Phelps

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