Checking up on Mariners' top picks from 2025 MLB Draft after one year

For all the criticism Jerry Dipoto has received from the Mariners fanbase during his time in Seattle -- and it's a lot -- even his harshest detractors must surely acknowledge he's done an excellent job stockpiling and developing young talent. As a result, year after year, the organization has one of the best farm systems in the majors, to the point they entered this season ranked eighth by MLB Pipeline even after trading away Harry Ford and Jurrangelo Cijntje.

With this in mind, it seems like a good time to check in on the Mariners' 2025 MLB Draft class, to see how they've been doing. We've decided to focus in on the first five draft picks, and as you'd expect it's a mixture of conclusions, albeit some are outside of anyone's control.

Review of Mariners' top 5 picks in the 2025 MLB Draft offers more reason for optimism than concern

Kade Anderson, LHP - 1st round (3rd overall)

It's no surprise Anderson has been good, given he was take third overall and was arguably the best prospect in the 2025 draft class. No, this is more about how good he's been and how quickly he's come along. The guy has been outright dominant so far, annihilating opponents in Double-A Arkansas through 12 starts.

Anderson has produced a stellar 1.02 ERA, 0.649 WHIP and 90 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. In the process, he's increasing the chances he will make his Mariners debut this season, despite it being his first year of pro ball. You'd ideally like to see him face Triple-A competition first, but don't be surprised if he's in the Big Leagues at some point in 2026, with the Mariners' piggyback potentially laying the foundation for a duo with Ryan Sloan.

Luke Stevenson, C - Competitive Balance Round A, 35th overall

There was plenty of anticipation surrounding Stevenson, with him considered a top catching prospect following a college career which was highlighted by a .960 OPS. As such, the Mariners were extremely grateful to nab him when they did. His first season with the organization proved to be successful, as he batted .280 with a .860 OPS in Single-A Modesto and showed promising progress defensively, aided by a rocket for an arm.

As a result, Baseball America tabbed Stevenson as the Mariners' breakout pick for 2026. Things couldn't have started out much better in his first exposure to High-A ball either, as he batted .321 with a .982 OPS and 166 wRC+ during April. Since then however, he's struggled badly with the bat with a .168 average and 89 wRC+, and it's important to observe how he responds to this first period of sustained adversity within the M's organization.

Nick Becker, SS - 2nd round (52nd overall)

Becker received plenty of attention when the Mariners drafted him in the second round, as he was signed to an above-slot value $2.75 million bonus despite still being in high school. He was already a proven winner, producing a 1.251 OPS during three years at Don Bosco Prep and being named the 2025 New Jersey Baseball Player of the Year. Overall, he was described as a 6-foot-4 athlete with above-average hit, run and field tools.

The potential of Becker was reflected in MLB Pipeline putting him at No. 9 in their Mariners 2026 preseason top 30 prospect rankings. He's been on fire so far in rookie ball, highlighted by a .440 OBP which has contributed towards a .903 OPS in 38 games. There's a long way to go of course, and he faces plenty of internal infield competition, but he'll fancy his chances of following Angels pitcher Caden Dana in becoming just the second Don Brosco Prep alumni to play in the majors.

Griffin Hugus, RHP - 3rd round (91st overall)

There was a lot of excitement initially with Hugus, and he looked good early on in spring training this year. Unfortunately for him though, fate had other ideas as he blew out his right elbow and had to undergo Tommy John surgery. As a result, he won't now make his pro debut until next year.

This is not to say there isn't still plenty of intrigue surrounding Hugus, with MLB Pipeline ranking him as the No. 11 prospect in the Mariners farm system. Despite not being renowned for his arm strength, scouting reports insist he has the foundation of a starter's mix, highlighted by a mid-80s slider. The M's organization is one of the best in the majors at developing pitchers, and he has been targeted as someone with the potential to unlock another level with some tweaking.

Mason Peters, LHP - 4th round (122nd overall)

Anderson pitching well for the Mariners organization is one thing, but Peters performing wonders is another thing all together. In fact, we'd go as far as claiming he's possibly the steal of the whole 2025 draft class so far. And for anyone scoffing at his chances of success higher up the organization's totem pole, don't forget Bryce Miller was a fellow fourth-rounder, while Bryan Woo was taken in the sixth round.

Since allowing three earned runs during his pro debut in Single-A Inland Empire, Peters has exceeded all expectations in his subsequent 10 starts. In all, he has recorded a 1.41 ERA, 0.828 WHIP and 63 strikeouts in 44.2 combined innings. His impressive pitching arsenal is highlighted by a nasty curveball, and he's continuing to produce effectively even as his workload has increased.

Add us as a preferred source on Google