Mariners' latest promotion is next step in comeback for high-profile prospect

The Seattle Mariners’ farm system has been a hot topic all year, and for good reason. In 2025, their pipeline is brimming with talent that has fans and scouts buzzing about the future in Seattle. And while big names have stolen much of the spotlight, one familiar face just made a move that reminds us he’s still very much part of that future.

Felnin Celesten, the high-profile international signee for the Mariners in 2023, has quietly worked his way back into the conversation and was recently promoted to High-A Everett.

Mariners’ Felnin Celesten takes big step forward with High-A promotion

Celesten’s path hasn’t been smooth. He stumbled out of the gates in Single-A Modesto, struggling to find consistency at the plate while other prospects soared up the rankings. It’s easy for fans and national outlets to lose track of players like him, especially when his name has slipped off various Top 100 prospects lists this season. But make no mistake, the talent never left. And at just 19 years old, he’s got time on his side.

Celesten rebounded in Modesto and finished hitting .293 over 34 games. His swing, long praised for its bat speed, is still developing from both sides of the plate. He’s been more hit-over-power early in his career, which lines up with the scouting reports. But flashes of what’s possible have started to show.

In fact, his first hit at Everett was a home run, the kind of debut that makes fans lean forward a little closer.

Power has long been considered the weakest part of Celesten’s game, but he’s making adjustments. His swing isn’t groundball-heavy by design, yet his pro debut came with a sky-high 64.9 percent groundball rate. Now, he’s beginning to drive the ball with more authority, posting doubles at 105 and 107 mph exit velocities — a sign that the work is starting to pay off. With more maturity, strength, and reps, that hit tool could start translating into the kind of gap power that fuels the modern shortstop profile.

It’s also worth noting that Celesten isn’t climbing the ladder alone. He joins right-hander Ryan Sloan as the second high-profile promotion to Everett in recent weeks, giving AquaSox fans even more reason to circle games on their calendar.

For a farm system already brimming with names like Lazaro Montes, Jurrangelo Cijntje, and Colt Emerson, Celesten’s resurgence is an encouraging reminder: development isn’t always linear, and sometimes the best prospects are the ones who find their footing after adversity.

Mariners fans who might have lost track of Celesten now have a reason to check back in. Because if this latest promotion is any indication, the comeback story might just be getting started.