Learning about the Mariners 2022 Day Two MLB Draft selections

Day Two of the draft has wrapped up for the Seattle Mariners, with them making just seven picks due to losing their third from signing Robbie Ray. After taking three players on day one, including first-rounder Cole Young, let’s take a look at who the Mariners drafted on day two, and learn a bit more about the newest Mariners players.

On Day Two of the MLB Draft, the Mariners took a mix of hitters and pitchers, with a lot of older college players.

Round 4: Pick 126: Ashton Izzi (18), RHP from Oswego East HS (Illinois)

Still pretty lanky at 6’3 and 165 lbs, Izzi definitely has a frame to fill out. He touches 97, and sits in the low 90s. Currently sporting a three-pitch offering, he has a low 80’s slider that is his best pitch, but he can drop the arm and lose depth on it. His fastball and slider are both above average, and his change is currently average. He’s got a nice, repeatable delivery. Committed to Wichita State, the Mariners could likely throw a little more money his way to get him to sign.

Round 5: Pick 156: Reid VanScoter (23), LHP from Coastal Carolina

VanScoter was a stud for Coastal Carolina last year, going 7-1 in conference play with a 2.91 ERA, holding opponents to a .228 BAA, and striking out about a batter per inning. A 6’0″ LHP, VanScoter wins most of his starts, consistently throwing 5/6 innings and slots as a solid back of the rotation guy.

Round 6: Pick 186: Josh Hood (21), RH SS from NC State

Originally at Penn, Hood was drafted last year in the final round (20th), before deciding to go back to college when he would transfer to NC State. He’s got a great arm, and is athletic enough to play shortstop. He will likely end up at 3rd, with good enough instincts to man the hot corner. He’s a power-hunter, and it can lead to the occasional problem. If he can trade a bit of power for consistent hitting, he will have a chance to be an everyday third baseman.

Round 7: Pick 216: Hogan Windish (23), RH 2B from UNC Greensboro

Windish crushed it at UNC Greensboro this year, hitting .370/.485/.681, with 19 2B and 16 HR in 216 AB. He’s also got a bit of speed, going 8-9 on SB attempts. He can play all over the place, seeing a bit of time at first and CF, with the majority of his time spent in LF and at 2B. As an older guy, Windish will have much higher, and quicker, expectations for success once he gets slotted into the minors, but will likely start this season to see some time there.

Round 8: Pick 246: Tatem Levins (23), LH C from Pittsburgh

Tatem showed good pop for a catcher, hitting 16 HR this year, a massive increase from any prior showing. It was his first double-digit year but comes at the expense of gap power as he only had eight 2Bs. He does have a good eye, with a walk rate of 11.5%, nearly the same as his K rate. Another older guy, the Mariners will likely sign him under slot in order to help sign their next pick.

Round 9: Pick 276: Tyler Gough (18), RHP from JSerra Catholic HS (California)

Gough might be a bit tough for the Mariners to sign, as he is committed to Oregon State with a solid shot at starting out of the gate. Ranked 211th in this years draft class, they’ll have to go overslot a bit to sign him. With the amount of seniors taken, it makes sense that they took a shot here with Gough. He’s got a strong arm, sitting low 90s and can touch 95. Very aggressive with a strong arm, there is a lot of potential with Gough, although there are rumblings he might be a RP.

Round 10: Pick 306: Bill Knight (22), RH OF from Mercer

The Mariners rounded out Day Two by taking Bill Knight, an incredibly consistent center fielder from Mercer college. Knight hit .307/.386/.538 over his four year career, but found a bit more power his senior season which resulted in a slash line of .337/.415/.642. With 19 2B and 17 HR, Knight was a great power threat in his 243 ABs. He’s not just power though, as he went 10-11 on SB attempts. There could be some small school bias and ageism here, as Knight seems like a strong candidate to become a regular outfielder based on his contact/power/speed combination.

Best of luck to all the new Mariners this year, and as always… go Mariners!