MLB Draft Day – Who could the Seattle Mariners select?

The MLB Draft is finally upon us. Although it isn’t as hyped up as much as the NBA or NFL Draft, the MLB Draft is a very big deal, especially for the Seattle Mariners. The Mariners have a decent first-round pick and there is a good amount of talent available.

Over the last few years, Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto has found success in the draft and could he continue to build upon an impressive farm system?

Who might the Seattle Mariners call today?

One popular name that has come up is Matt McLain of UCLA. McLain is known as one of the best college middle infielders in this year’s draft class and that Mariners could use another infielder in the system.

The only notable middle infielder in the Mariners farm system is Noelvi Marte, and he might not even stay in the middle of the field down the line. So, it makes a lot of sense for Dipoto to select an infielder.

The Seattle Mariners have also not drafted a high school player in the first round since 2014 so I expect Dipoto to do the same again. For more on Matt McLain, check out Jamey Vinnick’s analysis of him.

Who are some other options at pick #12 for the Seattle Mariners?

Colton Cowser is another name that has been thrown around a lot, but he might not be around. CBS Sports has Cowser going 9th overall to the Angels, and Bleacher Report has him going 5th overall to the Orioles. For more on the Sam Houston State product, read Chris O’Day’s write up.

We have also talked a bit about Ty Madden, a pitcher from Texas. Madden is probably the next best college arm behind Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker. Although he may be around when the Mariners pick, I don’t think Jerry Dipoto will go for another top arm since that’s what he’s done the last three years. For more on Ty Madden, read here.

Today’s draft picks might not even wear a Seattle Mariners jersey down the line

With the team looking to blossom into a competitive team after 2022, starring Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and others, you wonder where today’s 12th overall pick would fit into the Seattle Mariners plan. To take somewhat of a “not so fun” mindset, the 12th pick might end up being trade bait next season.

The Seattle Mariners have an elite pitching staff lined up in the minor leagues, and even have a long waitlist going. The team also has a bright future in the outfield and currently has a solid infield. With that being said, the Mariners might not need another young talent.

Although you can never have too many talented prospects, the M’s are going to have to “send it” at some point and that might be through a trade. Just think about all of the big trades the Mariners have done to receive the likes of Taylor Trammell and  Jarred Kelenic.

In a few years, I would imagine Seattle being on the other side and trading away prospects for well-prepared MLB players. So my point: Matt McLain makes a lot of sense if we are looking to keep him, but it might also make sense to pick the best available player that falls in the draft even if he doesn’t fit our needs in the farm system.

More potential draft prospect analyses:

Benny Montgomery

Sam Bachman

Sal Frelick

Anthony Painter

Harry Ford