Sodo Mojo’s Top 10 Mariners Prospects: #9 Joe Rizzo

Say what you will about Jerry Dipoto and his regime, but they have nailed the top of their drafts the past 2 seasons. Universally applauded for snagging Sam Carlson in round 2 this year, Dipoto made a nice pick in the second round of the 2016 draft as well.

2016, Dipoto’s first draft class with the Mariners, got off to a fantastic start. Long considered to be a Top 5 pick, Kyle Lewis slipped to 11, and Dipoto jumped on the opportunity to select him. With all the euphoria surrounding that pick, some over looked Dipoto’s second selection, a high school infielder named Joe Rizzo.

Entering the draft, Rizzo was widely considered on of the top prep bats in the class. However, concerns about his size and profile, pushed him to pick 50. Dipoto happily snatched him then.

The concerns about Rizzo’s size are not unfounded. At 5’9″, Rizzo lacks the ideal size for a corner player. While some scouts believe Rizzo can become an adequate 3rd baseman, most believe LF is where he belongs.

In addition to his size, Rizzo is physically limited with mediocre speed and arm strength. Ultimately, first base might be his home, but profiles best at second. Unfortunately, he lacks he lateral quickness to play there. In short, he is currently a man without a position.

But what makes Rizzo an intriguing prospect is his hit tool. Showing good bat speed and pitch recognition skill, most in the Mariners organization believe Rizzo will hit for average, and hope the power comes along too.

His first full season as a pro did not go his way though. Rizzo showed more swing and miss than expected, striking out 121 times in less than 500 PA. Rizzo’s lack of HR power showed in Low-A Clinton, as he slugged a measly .346.

There are several positive trends to report. Rizzo was an outstanding hitter away from home, slashing .311/.396/.462. Rizzo also showed an advanced eye, walking 61 times in 2017. The discipline helped lift his overall OBP to.349, despite his .251 BA.

Scouting Grades (20-80)- Hit:55 Power:45 Run: 40 Arm:50 Field: 45 Overall: 50

2018 will prove to be a pivotal for the 20-year-old prospect. The Mariners need to see some growth from Rizzo, and he will presumably start the year in High-A Modesto. This is a natural spot for him, as the high offensive environment could get the ball rolling.

Next: Top 10 Mariners Prospects: #10

Ideally, you’d like Rizzo to force his way up to AA. But Rizzo must cut down on his strikeouts, or add more pop to his game. The ceiling on Rizzo is still as a Major League starter, but he needs to show it in 2018.