Sodo Mojo’s Top 40 Seattle Mariners Prospects: 25-21

The Mariners are having a resurgence with the July 2nd signings, and Jonatan Clase is a good example. In 64 games in the DSL, Clase hit .300/.434/.444 with 31 stolen bases and a 147 wRC+. Clase’s power shows up more with doubles and triples, but at 17-years-old, there is time for some power to develop.

But even if the power never comes, Clase has some loud tools to carry him to the majors. He has elite speed, scoring 80-grade speed with plus outfield defense in center and a cannon for an arm. He’ll have a good chance to hit for average and get on base.

Clase has a fantastic strike zone discipline and pitch recognition, especially at his age. He walked nearly as much as he struck out, producing a 17.8% walk rate. He can use the whole field and has quick hands and a solid stroke.

If Clase’s tools max out, he’s a leadoff hitter who hits .300/.380/.420 with 10 home runs and 40 steals to go along with gold glove defense in center field. Still, he is just 17-years-old so the range of outcomes is vast.

You never can predict how teenagers will progress, especially when international free agents come stateside for the first time. But Clase’s toolset is far too interesting to rank him any lower. Clase could rocket into the Top 10 with a solid stateside debut, but that may have to wait until 2021.