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Seattle Mariners: 5 Rule 5 Draft Options to Consider

By Colby Patnode

PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 4: A hat and glove of of the Seattle Mariners is seen prior to the game against the San Diego Padreson March 4, 2015 at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona. The Mariners defeated the Padres 4-3 in 10 innings. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images)
PEORIA, AZ - MARCH 4: A hat and glove of of the Seattle Mariners is seen prior to the game against the San Diego Padreson March 4, 2015 at Peoria Stadium in Peoria, Arizona. The Mariners defeated the Padres 4-3 in 10 innings. (Photo by Rich Pilling/Getty Images) /
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Richie Martin, SS Oakland A’s (AA)

MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Richie Martin #68 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 22, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
MESA, AZ – FEBRUARY 22: Richie Martin #68 of the Oakland Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 22, 2017, in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Speaking of high draft picks who haven’t quite lived up to expectations, Richie Martin of the Oakland A’s makes a lot of sense for the Mariners, particularly if they trade Dee Gordon an/or Jean Segura.

The 20th overall pick of the 2015 draft, Martin was also a plus defender at Florida, but most scouts had concerns about the bat, which caused 19 other teams to pass him. Oakland believed that Martin would eventually hit, and leading up to 2018, those hopes went largely unanswered.

However, in 2018, Martin finally started to reward the A’s patience in him. In 118 games in AA Midland, Martin slashed .300/.368/.439 with 29 doubles, 8 triples, 6 home runs, and 25 stolen bases. He also posted a decent 86:43 K/BB rate in his 453 at-bats.

Martin is still a premier defender up the middle and has no problem handling shortstop or second. He even has the arm for third and the athleticism for the outfield.

It is highly unlikely that Martin will hit for much home run power in his career, which means he will need to be especially good defensively and at getting on base to take advantage of his speed. Martin is more than likely a year away from actually being ready for the big leagues, but the Mariners may be able to take that risk.

Martin will provide value as a defender, as he is at least as good defensively as Jean Segura or even Dee Gordon. Martin will turn 24-years-old next month and is perhaps the most intriguing name for Mariners fans to consider these 3 weeks leading up to the winter meetings.

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