Mariners Prospect Watch: Spencer Packard is having quite the season in Everett

The Mariners have one of the top farm systems in all of baseball. You hear it all the time, and rightfully so. They have tons of pitchers with incredible potential and some TOP level hitters. We’ve already seen some of them come up in Julio Rodriguez, Kelenic, Gilbert, Brash, and Kirby. We still need to keep an eye on lesser-known players, though, and Spencer Packard is pushing to be a part of the next Mariners wave.

If you’re wondering who he is, I won’t fault you for it. It can be hard to keep track of ALL the prospects on a team, especially the ones who aren’t in the top 30.

Spencer Packard has been the best hitter on the Everett Aquasox so far in 2022

There are a boatload of other hitters in Everett that you are likely more familiar with. Noelvi Marte. Andy Thomas. Tyler Keenan. Alberto Rodriguez. Victor Labrada. Spencer Packard is outhitting all of them.

The 9th-round pick by the Mariners in the 2021 draft, the Campbell college outfielder played a bit in 2021 after being drafted. He didn’t show much pop or speed, but had a decent eye and put together a respectable line for coming straight out of college.

It’s a nice time for comparison for Packard, as he played 31 games in 2021, and is up to 28 so far this year.

He’s 2nd in batting average, 4th in OBP, and 1st in SLG with a slash line of .295/.409/.543. Through 28 games and 105 AB, he’s hit eight 2Bs and 6 HRs, both of which lead the team. At 24-years-old, he is a bit old for A ball, but as a 2021 draft pick it sort of makes sense. He’s showing a great eye, having struck out just 17 times compared to taking 19 BBs.

He’s also showing a bit of speed, going 4-4 in stolen base attempts. It’s a great season for the youngster, and it would surprise no one to see him jump to Arkansas with the AA squad. They’ve struggled to find offense this season, and it would be a good test for Packard.

Keep an eye out for him, as we are likely going to see him move up the Mariners farm system soon. He is not on the same level as the top OF prospects in the system, but a strong 2022 would likely place him on the doorstep.