The 2020 first-round pick, Emerson Hancock is another candidate for AL Rookie of the Year in 2022
Emerson Hancock is the 30th ranked MLB prospect, and the third-highest ranked Seattle Mariners prospect. You might be bored by now because I just keep listing all the exciting prospects the Mariners have, but it really is such an exciting time to be a Mariners fan. The University of Georgia product might not be ready for the 2022 season, but I am hoping he can rise up the ranks quickly.
Hancock would have obviously pitched in rookie ball this season, but that did not go as planned. Hancock is already behind as a brand new prospect, but if scouts are ranking him as high as he is in the prospects list, that says something about his talent. Hancock will most likely start in Single-A in 2021, and could even end up in Double-A towards the end of 2021.
And by the time you know it, if the Mariners really think he is ready to take another step forward he could join the MLB in 2022. The Seattle Mariners will be looking to have all of their high ranked prospects up with the team to make a run for the playoffs, and Hancock might be rushed up to the MLB. According to MLB.com, Hancock is estimated to arrive in the big leagues in 2022 and I do not think they are crazy.
I may be reaching a bit and may not pitch a full season until 2023, but if the Mariners need another starting pitcher when the time comes, Hancock’s name might be called on. Hancock pitched in college so he is closer to being ready to the MLB compared to some high school prospects so that is a good sign already. Emerson Hancock has a mid to high 90s fastball and a great mix of secondary pitches. Expect to see Hancock’s name over the years.
To summarize, the Mariners have a legitimate group of players to warrant back to back to back Rookie of the Year awards in Seattle. There is so much depth that the Seattle Mariners have multiple prospects as potential ROY candidates for the next couple of years. Kyle Lewis started the buzz around the prospects Jerry Dipoto has brought in over the years, and the team is just getting started. The Mariners have a chance to join the history books by being another team to have consecutive Rookie of the Year Award winners.