Seattle Mariners: BA Mocks SS Bryson Stott to Mariners at Pick 20

Deep in the middle of the MLB off-season, most Mariners fans couldn’t care less about the 2019 MLB Draft. However, the draft is as critical as ever, with the Mariners committing to their quick pace rebuild.

In their first Mock Draft for 2019, Baseball America mocked UNLV SS Bryson Stott to the Seattle Mariners with the 20th pick. The entire mock draft is for subscribers only but can be read by clicking here.

So who is Bryson Stott and why does he merit consideration in the first round of the MLB Draft? Stott is a 21-year-old college shortstop who stands 6’3″, 195 lbs. He hits left-handed and is entering his 3rd year at the University of Nevada Las Vegas.

Last season, Stott rocketed up his draft value by slashing .365/.442/.556 in the Mountain West Conference, where he also slugged 30 doubles, 4 home runs, and 3 triples. Stott was also a threat on the basepaths, stealing 14 bases on 16 attempts.

In addition to the impressive raw numbers, Stott also excelled in the stat Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto loves perhaps more than any other: BB: K rate. Stott posted an incredible 32 walks to just 18 strikeouts.

Stott carried his breakout sophomore season to the prestigious Cape Cod League where he held his own, slashing .275/.385/.325. He is also a member of the Team USA Collegiate squad.

In the field, Stott should have no issue sticking at shortstop. He has the arm strength to play anywhere but despite his size, posses the necessary quickness and range to stick at the premium defensive position.

Known as a grinder, Stott gets high marks from his coaches for baseball IQ, makeup, and instincts, meaning he plays above his toolset at times. Stott appears to have a legitimate shot to be a fast-rising prospect, one who could see the big leagues before 2022.

With the above-average hit, run, arm, and defense tools, Stott also may have some untapped power left to give him 5 average or better tools at a premium position. If Stott repeats his 2018 season, he may perform his way into the Top 10 and out of the arms of the Mariners.

His prospect profile is quite similar to newest Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford, who spent a couple of seasons safely encased inside Top 15 overall Prospect ranks.