Seattle Mariners 3 Round Mock Draft 1.0
With the 55th pick in the 2018 MLB Draft, the Seattle Mariners select Austin Becker, RHP Big Walnut High School
Similar to last year, the Mariners are going hunting for big-time prospects, and Austin Becker is just that. He has a strong commitment to Vanderbilt, so Seattle will likely have to offer an above-slot deal to pry him away from Nashville.
Becker stands at 6’6″ as an 18-year-old, has a plus fastball that can hit 96 mph with movement. Like a lot of long levered high-schoolers, Becker can fall out of his mechanics, and it takes his toll on his velo. When he is right, Becker flashes a plus curveball, to go along with a decent changeup.
Becker has room to grow as he adds muscle to his wiry 185 lbs frame. He throws strikes but doesn’t have the great command he will need to be a successful big league starter. Thankfully, Becker will get plenty of time to refine his game and has #2 starter upside if everything clicks.
The Mariners could go college arm in Round 1 if the right one is available. There are better prep bats available in this range than arms, but Becker gets the nod in this particular mock.