Overlooked Mariners infield prospect is the hottest hitter in the farm system

Michael Arroyo is the Mariners seventh-ranked prospect, but lately he has been playing like their best.
Seattle Mariners v Chicago Cubs
Seattle Mariners v Chicago Cubs | John E. Moore III/GettyImages

The Seattle Mariners have an impressive stockpile of talent in their minor league system. With nine prospects in the MLB Pipeline's top 100, it is starting to feel like some of their prospects are getting lost in the mix.

Michael Arroyo is one who should not be forgotten anymore. He may "only" be the Mariners' No. 7 prospect, but he is also ranked No. 79 overall by MLB Pipeline. Among second basemen, he is ranked No. 6, behind fellow Mariner Cole Young, who comes in third.

Michael Arroyo has been on a tear for High-A Everett, opening eyes to his sky-high potential

Lately, Arroyo has been ranking for High-A Everett. The infielder ranks fourth in the Northwest League with a WRC+ of 149. That's actually slightly better than fellow Mariner Lazaro Montes, who is in seventh with a 136 WRC+. Arroyo is reaching base at a .428 clip, and has hit 12 home runs, putting him third in the league for both categories. Needless to say, he has been on fire.

Lately, he has been heating up even more. Arroyo is on a nine-game hitting streak and has reached base in 16 straight games. During this span, he has hit six home runs, scored 11 times and driven in 12 runs. Since May 24th, Arroyo has posted a slashline of .296/.486/.630, good for a 1.116 OPS.

The 20-year-old was signed internationally in 2022 and has always seemed to live in the shadow of Montes, who was also signed in 2022, and has become one of the top 40 prospects in baseball. However, Arroyo is now breaking out on his own terms and has been matching the production of Montes so far this year in Everett.

In 2024, Arroyo posted a .904 OPS in Modesto and was promoted to Everett halfway through the season. He continued to rank in Everett, putting up a .519 slugging and a .915 OPS. He hit 12 home runs and stole 10 bases in 60 games.

With a combination of power, speed and on-base that is among the best in the minor leagues, it is starting to look like Arroyo could be a valuable contributor at the big league level. Or, a valuable trade chip at the deadline if the team is looking to improve the roster in 2025.