Seattle Mariners MLB Mock Draft 3.0

Pick 107: Mariners select Tyler McDonough, UTIL NC State

Tyler McDonough played his high school ball at Moeller High in Cincinnati, a school that knows a thing or two about producing major leaguers. The school is the alma mater of Hall of Famers Barry Larkin and Ken Griffey Jr. McDonough is set to become the 15th player from the school to play professional baseball.

A switch-hitter with good bat to ball skills and pitch recognition, McDonough is one of the more versatile players in the draft. He came to NC State as a catcher but started as a freshman at second base and was splitting time at second and in centerfield when the season was shut down.

He runs well and shows real OBP skills and is as solid as they come defensively. He has not made an error in 78 games at NC State. He’s more quick than fast and he takes good routes in the outfield, making him a solid defender in center. He also plays a good second base.

If he had a bit more power, he would likely go in the third round. While he has some pop, it isn’t enough to play a corner, so McDonough will need to get on base regularly to become an everyday option.

But there is a little Ben Zobrist to McDonough and he might remind some Mariners fans of Nick Franklin at the plate. A draft-eligible sophomore, McDonough has plenty of leverage, so Seattle will need to be sure they can sign him if they are going to spend one of their six selections on him.