Seattle Mariners Way Too Early 2020 MLB Mock Draft

With Pick 68(ish) the Mariners select Tommy Mace, RHP Florida

Tommy Mace is a project, no question about it. But the 6’7″ RHP has steadily improved his stuff at the University of Florida and is ready for a breakout season in Gainesville. Recent reports from fall ball show Mace has vastly improved his two-seam fastball, which is up to 96 MPH with run, a vast improvement from 6 months ago.

Mace’s best offering may be a high-80s cutter that can help neutralize lefties while generating weak contact along the way. Whether or not Mace becomes successful in pro ball will depend on two things: the development of another pitch and improvement in his command.

The curveball may be his best bet at acquiring the 3rd offering, as it is currently an upper-70s, slurvy type of breaking ball, that shows good shape and promise down the line. The changeup lags behind the curveball and has a long way to go, but has flashed average on occasion.

This spring will be a big one for Mace. He will need to carry his improved velocity into the spring and also show some growth in the curveball to be a gamble worth taking here. Scouts like his bulldog mentality and presence on the mound. This spring he just needs to put it all together.

Florida has been a breeding ground for highly selected college arms, and with a big payday ahead of him, Tommy Mace could join that group. He won’t be a fast riser in the Mariners system, but the payout could be oh so sweet. If selected, he would likely find himself somewhere between 15-25 in our summer prospect ranks.