Mariners MLB Draft Tracker: Ongoing Day Two Picks and Analysis

We are halfway through the 2021 MLB Draft, with rounds 2-10 having been completed during the second day of the draft. Still shorter than normal, there are only 20 rounds during this year’s draft as opposed to the 40 from years past. The Mariners took the stud high school catcher Harry Ford in the first round, getting the closest thing to Craig Biggio anyone has drafted since he was taken back in 1987.

We’ve got some lengthier write-ups on Ford, which makes sense with him being the Mariners first-round pick. It was a bit of a turn from the normal for the team’s usual draft process. Over the last five years, they had taken only college players.

More specifically, they had taken college pitching in the last three years in Emerson Hancock, George Kirby, and Logan Gilbert. Before that, it was Evan White, Kyle Lewis, no pick, and then, finally, the last high schooler taken in the first, Alex Jackson. Having a strong group built up in the rotation, the Mariners decided to go a different route with the uber-athletic Ford.

We’ve found some great-looking players during these 2-10 picks over the last few years, so it’s definitely worth getting to know them. Check out some of the outstanding picks from recent drafts.

• Brandon Williamson (2019-R2-59)
• Austin Shenton (2019-R5-156)
• Cal Raleigh (2018-R3-90)
• Donovan Walton (2016-R5-147)
• Tyler O’Neill (2013-R3-85)
• Edwin Diaz (2012-R3-98)
• Chris Taylor (2012-R5-181)

For all of the picks on day two, we are going to keep it a bit more succinct. A paragraph or so on each pick to help us get to know the newest Mariners.

Round 2 pick 48: Mariners select Edwin Arroyo Jr – SS – Central Pointe Christian Academy (FL)

Quite the interesting pick in the second round for the Mariners. They go with a super-young guy in Arroyo Jr, a prep shortstop. He won’t turn 18 until 08/25 and is one of if not the youngest guy in the draft. He pitches lefty but plays right-handed at shortstop, which is where he is predicted to end up.

Arroyo has a great glove, plus defender, and a switch-hitter at the plate. Going to need to get stronger, but it’s expected of someone who is still 17. Bat has gotten better through the recent showcases, but there is still room for improvement. Already 6’0″ and 175 pounds, he shows off a lot of power in the arm, and will definitely stick at shortstop, unless he outgrows the position and has to move to third.

Round 3 pick 83: Mariners select  Michael Morales – RHP – East Pennsboro HS (PA)

Morales has a good feel and spin with a high ceiling but fell a bit as many scouts wanted to see a bigger uptick in velocity. He throws low 90s, good change in the low 80s, with a curve in the mid-high 70s. Projectable with a high ceiling, definitely has potential as he would go to Vanderbilt if he doesn’t sign with the Mariners. MLB.com mentioned they really liked the pick during their coverage of the draft. He’s the #1 RHP from Pennsylvania and the #3 overall player from the 2021 class.

Round 4 pick 113: Mariners select Bryce Miller – RHP – Texas A&M

15 K’s in seven innings one game. Multiple roles, recently a starter, and the velocity didn’t drop. lot’s of good secondary pitches while he sits 92-96 but can touch 98. Sounds like the plan is to keep him as a starter. Has some control issues with 37 walks in 56.2 innings, but an 11.1 K/9 as well.If he can get under control, he could be a 2-3 in the rotation. otherwise, the control may derail him, as he also hit 13 batters this season.

Round 5 pick 144: Mariners select Andy Thomas – C – Baylor

Hit .324/.422/.489 in college, but had a lot more pop last year with a .575 slugging percentage. 11 home runs, and a good K/BB rate. A lefty bat that throws righty, Thomas has the ideal build for a catcher at 6’2 and 210 lbs. Power looks to be coming into play, and could be enough to make him a worthy bat if it continues to improve. Potential undersign, not in top 500, but a super senior sign could play up early.

Round 6 pick 174: Mariners select Bryan Woo – RHP – Cal Poly

Bryan Woo has some crazy strikeout stuff, notching 13.5 k/9 this season. He did get hit hard though, and his stuff is better than the numbers. Will have Tommy John surgery but can get to 95. When he locates, he shows enough to be drafted here. The team has had success drafting guys who had TJ around their date, so if Woo can get with Marcello and the other minor league pitching instructors, he could be a great pick in the 6th round.

Round 7 pick 204: Mariners select Colin Davis – OF – Wofford

Davis hit .351 at Wofford, and then .420 in summer ball. Good speed, he stole 31 in 297 combined PA. Quick swing, and even started showing power by hitting 11 homers at Wofford in 235 PA. A right-handed hitter with a good eye who doesn’t strike out much. The speed/power combo will definitely play, and at 22, he could progress quickly if it translates to pro ball.

Round 8 pick 234: Mariners select James Parker – SS – Clemson

The bat really showed up last season, as he was up to .324/.411/.500, with eight home runs. He’s got decent size at 6’1″, but will need to cut down on the strikeouts to have any chance in pro ball. Seems like the glove will play at short, but he could bounce to second base. He’s always had a good bat, and that could show more and more as he progresses. A five-year varsity player in high school, solely centered around the bat as an 8th grader getting him there.

Round 9 pick 264: Mariners select Spencer Packard – OF – Campbell University

Packard raked this year, hitting .371/.488/.629 with 11 home runs, and just 24 K’s to 32 BB’s. He was always a good hitter at Campbell, but the power showed this season as he broke double-digit home runs for the first time. He has a good lefty swing and will slot into a corner outfield spot.

Round 10 pick 294: Mariners select Jordan Jackson – RHP – Georgia Southern

Tall at 6’6″, the slider is his best pitch but he relies on it too often. A bit of a step back was taken this season due to that as he used it to try and get out of jams too often. If he can improve upon the fastball, which sits around 93, a two-pitch combo would make a world of difference. Strikes out just over a guy an inning, and walks less than two per nine.

Whew. That’ll do it for Round Two. Stay tuned at Sodo Mojo for more draft coverage, and tune back in tomorrow to see who the Mariners took in the 3rd and final day of the draft.