Comparing Seattle Mariners Prospects to Big League Players, Part 1

Noelvi Marte

For the record, this is the name I feel the least qualified to offer a comparison for. Marte hasn’t even made his stateside debut and we have very limited reports from which to work with. As a prospect, Marte has shown good bat speed and pitch recognition, leaving many scouts to believe the hit and power tool will develop relatively soon.

The numbers seem to agree as Marte handled the DSL well, slashing .309/.371/.511 in 65 games with 18 doubles, 9 home runs, and 17 steals. The major question right now is whether or not Marte can stick at shortstop. He made 30 errors this season, which is concerning.

However, most of those are of the throwing variety, a problem that is much easier to patch than a range or footwork problem. The Mariners will give him every opportunity to stick there, but he may outgrow the spot. Marte doesn’t turn 18 for another 5 weeks and he stands at a solid 6’1″, 180 lbs.

Thankfully, Marte has the speed and arm to play anywhere on the diamond and a move to centerfield may be something to watch. Some scouts place a rare 80-grade on his run tool. For comparison, other 80-grade runners include Byron Buxton and Billy Hamilton.

Because of the enormous field of outcomes, I am going to give you a few comps. Buxton actually makes a lot of sense, though Marte would have to learn the outfield to ever catch up. One comparison I am quite fond of is A.J. Pollock.

Pollock has played for the Diamondbacks and Dodgers posting over 20 bWAR in what amounts to 5 full seasons. His 162 game average shows 20 home runs and 24 steals, though in his best season he stole 39.

One other name I would attach to Marte is Nationals shortstop Trea Turner. Turner is lighting fast with a good hit tool, decent pop, an average glove at short and could be best suited for the outfield. Sounds familiar. Until we see more of Marte, we can’t nail things down any further than that, but needless to say, Marte is a great prospect for Seattle.