The Best Mariner Prospects that Nobody is Talking About

It has been such an exciting time for Mariners prospects to prove themselves and move up the ranks. As most seasons are coming to an end, I would like to recognize some individuals who have quietly had a good year and could be breakout stars in 2020.

Ian McKinney, 24, SP- Modesto Nuts

I want to start off with a guy that pitched lights out this year for Modesto. Ian McKinney isn’t a hard-throwing pitcher but the way he can mix up his stuff has resulted in his success. In 25 games, he held a 12-5 record with a 2.84 ERA. McKinney recorded 148 strikeouts in 136.1 innings pitched.

The 24-year-old was able to work quickly in counts which led to 9.8 SO/9 IP. I think McKinney is going to pitch well next year for Double-A Arkansas and I wouldn’t be surprised if he has a big 2020 campaign.

Cade Marlowe, 22, OF- Everett Aquasox

Who would’ve thought that the 20th-round draft pick out of a small Division II school would have such a big impact in his first professional season? Cade Marlowe hit .301 over 62 games with the Sox’. Marlowe enjoyed much of his success on the base paths, he led the team in doubles (15) and posted an OPS of .810.

His work ethic on and off the field has helped him grow tremendously in his first season. I am hoping that he can continue to develop and climb his way up through the Mariners farm system.

Jack Anderson, 25, RHP- Arkansas Travelers

One word to describe Jack Anderson, Consistent. He pitched 14 straight games without giving up a run. During his time at Arkansas, Anderson posted a 4-2 record with a 1.50 ERA in 54.0 IP. A large part of the Travelers success can be attributed to Anderson’s work coming out of the bullpen. He led the team in home runs allowed (1) and holds (13).

Going back to his consistency, Anderson has given up one home run in his entire minor league career. He has pitched in 146 games, logging 200.1 IP. I think he is ready for the step-up to Tacoma and I would hope to see him with the M’s sooner rather than later.

Dayeison Arias, 22, RHP- West Virginia Power

This guy is my favorite prospect on the list. Dayeison Arias has worked his way up from the Dominican Summer League to High-A Modesto over the course of three seasons. While at West Virginia, Arias posted a 2-1 record with a 1.32 ERA in 39 games. When it comes to closing out ball games, Arias is a lockdown guy. He racked up 13 saves in 14 opportunities this season and has 92% career save percentage. It was even difficult for runners to reach base against Arias, he had a 0.80 WHIP in 47.2 IP.

He throws his fastball in the upper 90’s and mixes in a slider in the low-80’s, this deception can catch a lot of batters off guard. His strikeout rate is eye-catching really, 13.2 SO/9 IP. I would like to see this flame-throwing closer pitch for the Mariners one day. People are going to be talking about him soon.

Jake Scheiner, 24, 3B- Modesto Nuts 

Jake Scheiner has quietly had a great season with Modesto. He posted a .271 BA and slashed .325/.503/.828. He is a versatile infielder. He plays third base, first base, and even some outfield. He has some power in his bat to go along with his versatility. He hit 14 home runs with 63 RBIs and 15 doubles.

He reminds me a lot of Mariners utility player Dylan Moore. They both offer flexibility in their positions, they can be deployed in the infield or outfield, and they both provide some power in the batters’ box. Hopefully, Scheiner can accelerate the promotion process since he is 24 years old.

Bryan Pall, 23, RHP- West Virginia Power

Despite a history of injuries, in his first full season with the Power, Bryan Pall pitched extremely well. In 29 games, he posted a 2.04 ERA with 1.02 WHIP. He didn’t give up a home run all season. He had 45 strikeouts in 35.1 IP. Although he wasn’t the primary closer, he was 6/6 in save opportunities.

His draft stock dropped tremendously when he was coming back from elbow reconstruction surgery where he was drafted by the Mariners in the 25th round. He was named to the Mid-Season All-Star team. If he can stay healthy, I think Bryan Pall is a name to look out for in the 2020 season.