Mariners starting pitching prospect Logan Gilbert should also be thrown into the conversation
Logan Gilbert is currently the 35th ranked overall prospect in the MLB, right behind Ian Anderson of the Atlanta Braves who just pitched like an elite pitcher in the postseason. The Seattle Mariners 6’6″ right-hander is the fourth-ranked Mariners prospect, and the first-round pick by Jerry Dipoto in 2018. Gilbert pitched in Double-A in 2019 and I think he is set to be in the big league rotation for 2021.
Out of the four past Mariners Rookie of the Year Award winners, there has only been one pitcher that has won. Kazuhiro Sasaki in 2000 won the Rookie of the Year and is the only pitcher. Gilbert could be the first Seattle Mariners starting pitcher to win AL Rookie of the Year. Based on what I have seen and his skill sets, Gilbert really has a great chance to be a star pitcher for the team and to have an outstanding rookie season.
Gilbert boasts a 2.13 minor league career ERA while striking out 165 batters in 135 innings. Logan does not walk batters often which is a plus and makes Gilbert a well-rounded starting pitcher. He has limited his walks to just 33 over his minor league career, and an opposing batters average of .198. Despite playing just one full season in the minor leagues after being drafted, he adjusted extremely well after moving up to different teams in 2019.
Generally speaking, pitchers have had a harder time winning Rookie of the Year awards in the MLB. I would say it is about 60/40 or 70/30 in favor of hitters winning the ROY award in the past. Gilbert has some stiff competition in the American League like we mentioned on the previous page with Kelenic.
The former 14th overall pick out of Stetson University has grown into his body and now throws a mid-90s fastball with an excellent slider, a good curveball, and a solid changeup. The Seattle Mariners’ “Thor” could be the long-term ace moving forward. I still think Jarred Kelenic has a better chance of being the 2021 AL Rookie of the Year among Mariners prospects, but Gilbert is not too far behind. This will be an impressive rookie duo in 2021.