Dillon Dingler, C Ohio State University
I’m not a huge fan of the catcher class this year, but unlike most publications, I have Dingler as the best catcher in the class. Patrick Bailey is another solid option, but I think Dingler will be the better hitter and defender, so he gets the nod. A fun note on Dingler is that he has above-average speed and a 70-grade arm, giving him two standout tools. He’s going to make a team outside of the Top 10 very happy, but it won’t be Seattle.
A.J. Vukovich, 1B/3B East Troy (WI)
A.J. Vukovich gets the nod as my favorite first baseman in the class. While Spencer Torkelson is hands down the best first baseman in the class, we aren’t looking for the best players, but rather my favorite ones. Currently a third baseman, Vukovich is a big guy, standing at 6’5″, 210 lbs with plus power and a strong arm. He’ll likely grow off of third base but could have a similar career to that of Mike Moustakas. Unlike Dingler, Vukovich could be an option for the Mariners as high as pick 43.
Freddy Zamora Jr., MIF Miami
Freddy Zamora missed the entire 2020 season after suffering a torn ACL, but he has the raw goods to be an everyday shortstop. He has a strong arm that will allow him to move all over the field if needed, with the athleticism to match. The bat may play a little better at second base, but he can help in every area of the game, a skill set that doesn’t always show up in the boxscore.
Anthony Servideo, SS Ole Miss
Anthony Servideo maybe my favorite offensive player in the class. The 5’10” slender shortstop has a plus arm with plus speed, an ability to draw walks and an understanding of the strike zone, and starter to tap into some of the average raw-power he has shown in 2020. I watch Servideo and am reminded of current Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford. I really like Crawford, so I guess it makes sense that I like Servideo as much as I do.
Casey Martin, IF Arkansas
There are some really interesting shortstops in this draft class. I happen to think Casey Martin of Arkansas can play anywhere in the infield and has the power to fit the profile at third. He should be an above-average defender at the hot corner and already possess the in-game power that a corner infielder needs.
He also has plus speed, a major advantage in his favor. If Seattle thinks he can make enough contact to post average OBP numbers, they could get a 25/25 player at third base. Now, whether or not he falls to 43 is going to be the question. And honestly, I don’t think he will.