Seattle Mariners: 5 Rule 5 Draft Options to Consider

Trevor Clifton, RHP Chicago Cubs (AAA)

Trevor Clifton, a 23-year-old, RHP who was a 12th round pick way back in 2013, is an ultra-intriguing prospect for the Mariners to consider. Sporting a 4 pitch mix including an above-average fastball, and a curveball, changeup, and cutter. None of the off-speed are true out pitches, but he does a decent job of mixing his arsenal to get guys out.

Clifton will need to refine his command to stick in a rotation, but his low to mid-90s moving fastball gives him a chance to be a nice number 5 starter with some upside. The command is an issue, and he may ultimately become a middle reliever if he can’t improve.

Clifton has hit 97 mph in the past, and his delivery lacks the fluidity to sustain over a full MLB season. His flyball profile fits well in Seattle, and the curveball has flashed well on occasion. If Clifton could show even average command, he could be a home run selection for GM Jerry Dipoto and crew.

This is where a general managers trust in his coaching staff, scouts, and analytics team shows itself. Do the Mariners pitching coaches see a change they can make right away to make his delivery more fluid and improve his command? If he is destined for the bullpen, what do the scouts think is the upside there. Is there some hidden value in his arsenal?

Clifton is a true lottery ticket. But for a Mariners team who is already looking ahead to 2019, these are the risks that are worth taking.