Sodo Mojo’s Top 10 Mariners Prospects: #6 Max Povse

We continue our countdown of the 10 best prospects in the Seattle Mariners system. Coming in at the number 6 spot on our list, is the only Mariners prospect who has made his MLB debut.

Max Povse, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves in November of 2016, made his Major League debut in 2017. To say it didn’t go well, would be an understatement. In his brief 3 game debut with the Mariners, Povse posted an abysmal 7.36 ERA.

Povse didn’t fare much better after his return to AAA, where he was bashed to the tune of a 7.39 ERA over 31.2 innings. In short, it was a rather disappointing year for the 6’8″ RHP. However, Mariners General Manager Jerry Dipoto was quick to defend his pitcher.

Blaming himself for disrupting the development of Povse as a starting pitcher, Dipoto has reversed course on his decision. Now, Povse will enter 2018 and be allowed to start games in the minors, likely in AAA Tacoma.

On paper, Povse’s transition to the bullpen made some sense. Povse’s fastball velo sits between 93-95 mph, and he has a plus change-up to back it up. His curveball lags behind the other two pitches. Typically, a 2 pitch arsenal is better suited in the bullpen, but Povse simply could not make the in-season adjustment.

Additionally, when he is right, Povse pounds the strike zone with his fastball/changeup combo. He misses a fair amount of bats, posting a career 7.83 K/9 in the minor leagues. Unlike most pitchers his size, Povse does a good job repeating his delivery. He shows good athleticism on the field as well.

Next: Top 10 Mariners Prospects: #7 Anthony Jimenez

Scouting Grades(20-80)- Fastball: 50 Changeup: 60 Curveball: 40 Command: 55 Overall: 50

Povse finds himself higher on the list than others thanks to his closeness to MLB and his still reasonable upside. Finally, If he can get the curveball closer to average, he should be a solid #4 type for years to come.