Overlooked Mariners prospect could make a spring training statement

In the 2020s, the Seattle Mariners have done an incredible job of being both good at the big league level and drafting and developing talented young prospects. They boast a lineup and rotation full of draftees and international free agents who they have developed through their system to become the big league contributors and stars they are today. They also have drafted so well that they have traded prospects to win now.

One of those players who was a promising draft pick is outfielder Jonny Farmelo. He was a first-round pick back in 2023 when the Mariners had three first-rounders thanks to Julio Rodríguez winning the Rookie of the Year award and earning an extra pick. He was a first-rounder because of his tremendous athleticism that jumped off the page to scouts who believe he has the chance to be a true five-tool player in the outfield.

Jonny Farmelo could get a chance to make a statement in spring training

He started off pretty strong in his first pro season out of high school, where he slashed .264/.398/.421 in 46 games before tearing his ACL. Many Mariners fans and prospect evaluators had flashbacks to another former Mariners first rounder who tore his ACL early in his minor league career, Kyle Lewis. He was able to get back from his injury eventually and have an incredible short 2020 season, where he looked like a star in the making playing center field. Unfortunately, his knees were not able to hold up and he is now out of baseball.

While Farmelo did suffer the same knee injury, he is younger than Lewis was and has been able to make it back onto the field. He came back last season, but dealt with other injuries unrelated to his knee and he did not get a full season in during 2025 again. However, he did play in the Arizona Fall League, where he played center field again and stole 12 bases after not stealing many with the High-A Everett AquaSox.

Looking ahead to Spring Training starting in just a few weeks, Farmelo could be the type of prospect who shakes off negative headlines in Peoria and bursts back onto the popular prospect scene. Now that Farmelo is 21, he might get an opportunity to play more in big league Spring Training games and with the larger big league Spring Training group. He is the type of player who stands out due to his pure athletic talent and size.

If Farmelo gets a regular opportunity to play in front of fans and media members with multiple Mariners players taking time away for the World Baseball Classic, he could be someone who benefits from the increased opportunities. He is a long ways away from being ready for the Major Leagues, but he could really position himself well to go back to Everett and rake now that he is fully healthy and rise back up the prospect rankings after some publications had him fall due to injuries.