The Seattle Mariners Top Prospects Part 4

As we go down the list of the Mariners’ top prospects this group may make the Mariners roster at some point or be traded as a prospect for a player that is already in the major leagues.

Four of the five prospects in this group are pitchers and since the Mariners are drafting pitchers at the top of the draft it will be harder for two of these guys to make it as far as in the rotation. If they stay with the Mariners, it will probably be as members of the bullpen where they need quality relievers.

#16 Brandon Williamson: A left-handed pitcher was drafted in the second round in 2019. It says a lot about his potential since the Mariners drafted nine pitchers in the first ten picks. He spent last summer in Everett where he started 9 games in 10 appearances. His question mark is his stuff and control although he walked only five batters in 15 innings while striking out 25. Scouts consider Williamson’s potential to be a middle of the rotation starter. As a lefty, the Mariners will give plenty of time to stick as a starter.

#17 Brayan Perez: another left-handed pitcher. He was signed as an international player by the Mariners in 2017. Last season, he started in Arizona before going to Everett.  He pitched in 15 games between the two teams, starting 4. Perez has two good breaking balls along with a solid fastball. He won’t turn 20 until after the 2020 season. Expect Perez to begin the season in low-A .

#18 Joey Gerber: right-handed reliever. He was selected in the 8th round by the Mariners in 2018. In 2019, his first full season of professional ball, he began the year in High-A before being promoted to AA Arkansas.

Gerber had an outstanding ERA at Arkansas of 1.59. His issue comes from walks, but did a better job throwing strikes at Arkansas. He could pitch in Seattle at some point this coming season possibly by starting on the opening day roster, although it will be hard to do with veteran relievers ahead of him. He throws the fastball in the mid-90s along with a sharp slider.

#19 Joe Rizzo: the third baseman drafted in the second round out of high school in 2016. He spent 2019 at high-level A Modesto where he hit .295 though he was inconsistent on the year. Rizzo will turn 22 at the beginning of the season. If he continues to improve he could become the heir apparent to Kyle Seager. If Rizzo does well during spring training we could see him playing at AAA Arkansas this season.

#20 Wyatt Mills: another right-handed reliever drafted locally out of Gonzaga in the third round after the 2017 college season. He spent the whole 2019 season at AA Arkansas where he struck out more than one batter per inning. Besides his fastball, he throws a wipeout slider. The Mariners will give him every opportunity to make the team this season if he shows he is ready for the big leagues.

Up next we will look at prospects 21 thru 25.