Seattle Mariners: 6 Prospects Likely to Debut in 2019

RHP WYATT MILLS

Right on Warren’s heels is Wyatt Mills, a sidearmer that currently ranks ninth in MLB Pipeline’s top 30 for the Mariners. The Gonzaga product was selected 93rd overall in the 2017 MLB Draft after dominating the college ranks. Mills quickly became one of the Mariners’ best relieving prospects, immediately showing an ability to translate his nasty delivery to a professional setting.

In 2017, Mills only appeared in 20.1 innings for Low-A Everett and Single-A Clinton, but made the most out of the limited time given. The 23-year-old reliever really began to turn heads in both the organization and the fanbase after dominating High-A Modesto for the majority of his 2018 campaign. In Modesto, Mills flashed an incredible K/9 of 10.42 compared to an even better 1.91 BB/9, serving in a late-inning role that occasionally saw him in a save opportunity.

Things didn’t go as well for Mills after being promoted to Double-A Arkansas, who saw his ERA skyrocket after a five-run outing and a pair of three-run games. Still, it’s hard for pitchers to immediately adjust to an uptick in competition mid-season, often finding that certain things that worked in a lower level don’t at a higher level.

Mills will likely start his 2019 campaign back with the Travelers, and will surely bounce back from that nine-game nightmare this past season. A future in Triple-A Tacoma may be a possibility for him this season, but a jump straight to the MLB may be more likely. In that case, we could see Mills as early as June of next year.