Sodo Mojo Presents, Seattle Mariners Top 30 Prospects: 20-16

We continue our countdown of the Top 30 Prospects in the Mariners farm system and we have finally reached the Top 20. Who made the cut? Let’s get started.

Now before we begin, let’s get our usual intro out of the way. We revamped our selection process and you can find out how we did so by clicking here. In addition, if you want to see which Mariners came in at 30-21, you can click here for numbers 30-26, and here for numbers 25-21.

Also, do not forget the grades are based on the standard scouting scale. The scale is from 20-80 where 20 is not MLB quality, 80 is a future Hall of Famer, and 50 is considered MLB average. Also, our probability grade is based on the likelihood the player can reach his 75 percent ceiling at the big leagues. With all that in mind, let’s get started.

20. Juan Querecuto, SS

Juan Querecuto is an 18-year-old shortstop prospect who signed as an international amateur free agent for $1.225 million in July of 2016. While he has yet to make his stateside debut, the Mariners feel quite confident that they have something valuable in Querecuto.

The gangly teenager stands at 6’2″. 175 lbs, which makes many believe he will add strength as he matures, giving him some potential helium in his prospect status. However, with this possible projection could come the need for a position change.

As of now, Querecuto is an above-average defender at shortstop with a plus arm and soft hands. The bat profiles best up the middle, where his below-average power won’t be as much of a concern.

He got to play in 64 games in the Dominican Summer League as a 17-year-old and held his own. He has good hand-eye coordination and the ability to manage the strike zone well for his age. He has also shown an ability to use the whole field and enough bat speed to back up the projected uptick in power.

If Querecuto can either increase his offensive upside or stick at shortstop, the Mariners have a decent chance at having a quality big league infielder in 4-5 years. Unfortunately, Querecuto will be sidelined until June with an injury.

Scouting Grades, Hit: 45 Power: 40 Field:55 Arm: 60 Run: 50 Probability: 1.5/5