Sodo Mojo’s 2020 MLB Mock Draft, Seattle Mariners edition

The 2020 MLB Draft is expected to be in June and the latest rumors are indicating the draft will only be 5 rounds. So, this draft just became even more critical for the Mariners to nail.

The Seattle Mariners hold the number 6, 43, 64, 78, 107, and 137 picks in the first 5 rounds of the MLB Draft. Assuming the draft is kept to 5 rounds, Seattle will just 6 chances to select a potentially franchise-altering player. Where the team currently sits in its rebuild, and the lost year of development, this draft will be absolutely crucial for Jerry Dipoto and Scott Hunter to nail down.

But we need to remember that the MLB Draft and NFL Draft are not the same or even all that similar. Remember, MLB teams aren’t draft for players to help them in 2020 or even 2021. It is all about projection. And because of this, positions of need don’t really exist on draft day, at least not early, with the exception of pitching and catching, since every team needs it and there isn’t enough to go around.

So while the Mariners have a stacked outfield prospect group, they won’t pass on another outfielder if he is clearly the best on their board. Unless of course, the team want’s to save bonus pool money and “reach” for talent in order to pay more talent later in the draft, which is also a possibility.

On The Wheelhouse Podcast, Mariners GM Jerry Dipoto stated that ideally, Seattle would be able to draft an up-the-middle offensive player with their first pick. But this doesn’t mean they will or even can. And if we are being honest, drafting players who play up the middle of the field is usually the best possible outcome anyway, because of their rarity.

But that’s enough yammering on. Let’s get to this mock draft and see what we can get done for the Mariners in the 2020 MLB Draft.

Pick 6: Nick Gonzales, 2B New Mexico State

So, yeah I would really like Max Meyer to be a Mariner, if you’ve been reading my reports, you’d know that is the case. I just don’t think he’ll be on the board at six and the best player remaining is Nick Gonzales, so he is the pick. But if you’re reading major disappointment in this selection, you shouldn’t be. Gonzales is a very good selection here.

With arguably the best all-around bat in the class, Gonzales was the best player in college baseball before it was ended by COVID-19. Gonzales has a plus hit grade and already possess average in-game power with plus raw power that was starting to transition to the game as he slugged 12 home runs in just 16 games in 2020.

Gonzales was playing shortstop in 2020, but his future will likely be second base. He lacks the fluidity and hands required to play shortstop but should profile as an average defender at second base with a bat that could carry a third base profile. He isn’t a great athlete but is solidly above-average and carries decent run times in his game.

Gonzales could be the type of bat who flies through the minor leagues and once settled, will likely hit between .280-.300 with 20 home runs and 30 doubles, as well as a .350 OBP and average defense at second. Gonzales could have a 6-10 year run of posting 3+ WAR seasons and has been favorably compared to Brewers infielder Keston Hiura.

If selected, Gonzales would likely fall comfortably into the #4 spot in our prospect ranks, with a strong argument to made that he can jump Logan Gilbert for the #3 spot. Adding a top or middle of the order bat in the first round with an All-Star potential is never a bad thing, so Mariners fans should applaud this selection if it comes to pass.

Pick 43: Cole Henry, RHP LSU

In a perfect world, Mississippi State RHP J.T. Ginn falls to Seattle at this pick and is willing to sign for slot. But since neither of those things is going to happen, an arm like Cole Henry should be enticing for the Mariners at this pick. The 6’4″, 215 lbs Henry has the size and predictability scouts love and some serious stuff to back it up.

He throws a fastball that he can sink or ride that sits in the low-90s but has touched 97 at times while showing extended staying power at 95 MPH. He backs it up with a good curveball that flashes plus regularly and has a good feel for a changeup which has steadily improved every year at LSU.

Henry has cleaned up his delivery in college but there is still some effort in his load, leading to some concerns about future injuries. In fact, Henry missed fall ball of his freshman year with a stress reaction and then missed a month in-season with a sore elbow. These are red flags the Mariners need to feel good about as the draft-eligible sophomore likely won’t come cheap.

If the red flags are too much to overlook or Henry demands first-round money, Seattle may look at Seth Lonsway from Ohio State instead.

Pick 64: Clayton Beeter, RHP Texas Tech

Clayton Beeter of Texas Tech is another possibility at 43 but questions about his durability may push him to the end of the Competitive Balance B round, where the Mariners hold the 64th pick. Beeter has already undergone 2 elbow surgeries a huge red flag that will prevent him from going as high as he should.

When he’s healthy, Beeter features 3 above-average to plus pitches, including a 93-96 MPH fastball and 2 power breaking balls, a slider in the mid-80s, and a curveball in the low-80s. Beeter also has a changeup, which grades out as fringe-average but has shown to be an average offering in stints.

Beeter throws straight overhead, creating great plane and does an excellent job “tunneling his pitches”. He has an easy delivery with little effort being exerted. Beeter’s injuries and small sample size of success are going to hold him back. But when it comes to raw stuff, he has first-round abilities, so snagging him anytime after the first-round could represent a significant steal.

Pick 78: Tyler Gentry, OF Alabama

We talked briefly at the top about why Seattle may not be itching to draft an outfielder with one of their 6 selections. But we also talked about not passing up good talents when they top the board just because of the position they play. Tyler Gentry falls into that category and could be a steal with the 78th selection.

The right-handed bat has plus raw power that he has started to carry into games and an aggressive approach that needs to be fine-tuned. Both his hit and power tools carry average grades currently, with the opportunity to improve both by showing a bit more discipline.

Aside from his offensive upside. Gentry also offers solid speed and arm strength and has the defensive chops to handle center field, although he may wind up in right field. Gentry shows 20 home run power with a chance for more.

It may take some time, but there are quite a few similarities between Gentry’s game and the game of current Mariners right fielder Mitch Haniger. While there is work to be done, Gentry has the floor of a right-handed platoon partner who can handle centerfield if needed. At his best, he is an everyday outfielder offering above-average tools across the board. If selected, Gentry would slide just outside our Top 10 Mariners prospects list.

Pick 107: Anthony Servideo, SS Ole Miss

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite “sleeper” prospects in the upcoming draft, Mississippi shortstop Anthony Servideo. The 5’10”, 170 lbs shortstop is projected to be a fringe-average bat with developing power and a great understanding of the strike zone.

A good athlete with plus speed, Servideo spent time playing centerfield and right field for the Rebels in 2019 before becoming the starting shortstop in 2020. Servideo has a strong arm, soft hands, and quick feet and profiles as an above-average defender at shortstop who will make some great plays along the way.

The ability to draw walks combined with aggressive base-running and 60-grade speed make Servideo a nice candidate to hit at the top of the lineup. After hitting just 4 home runs total entering 2020, Servideo popped 5 homers in the brief 2020 season, showing some real growth from the rail-thin athlete.

Servideo’s profile and general physical traits compare well to current Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford and Servideo has the versatility to play all over the diamond. His best fit will be at shortstop but he can play a solid centerfield if Crawford takes off over the next two years.

You can never have enough up the middle options in your organization and Servideo’s athleticism, versatility, and growing power make him an interesting option for any team after the second round.