3 surprises in MLB Pipeline's top 30 Mariners prospects for 2025

Surprise No. 3: Jurrangelo Cijntje

To many, Cijntje was the most intriguing selection in last year's draft simply because of his status as an ambidextrous pitcher, something that hasn't been seen since Pat Venditte's unique skillset forced MLB to implement a rule change. It was also the organization's first college pitcher selection in the first round since Emerson Hancock was drafted in 2020.

While many speculated that Seattle would simply make Cijntje focus on one arm, it seems that the Mariners are giving him a chance to use both for now. The issue that scouts have reported is that as a righty, he resembles more of a starter, using a fastball in the high-90s with an effective slider and a great changeup. As a lefty, he loses significant velocity and has just two pitches. His arm slot also seems lower as a southpaw, likely the cause for the disparity in power.

Combined with his frame being on the slightly smaller side (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) and there already quite a few obstacles to him being a viable arm in the rotation at the big-league level.

Despite being the organization's first pick last year, Cijntje is now ranked one spot below Sloan, a fellow 2024 draftee chosen 55th in the second round. He'll get his first taste of professional baseball in 2025 and if his numbers as a true switch pitcher are good, he could rise the prospect ranks quickly. He's already hard at work refining his gifts, so it might not be long before he exceeds current expectations.