3 Mariners Prospects whose stock rose dramatically this season

Brandyn Garcia

Brandyn Garcia was the Mariners' 11th-round pick just last year out of Texas A&M and like most, didn't think too much of it since most 11th-round selections are not big-time prospects. However, I had a scout text me after the draft to keep an eye of Garcia since he was someone who he thought could benefit from the Mariners pitching development system. So far, that looks to be very accurate.

After being drafted last year Garcia only pitched in 10 innings after the draft in the Seattle organization to get his feet wet. However, he only allowed 2 runs and struck out 8 in those 10 innings. Then to start his first full season of professional baseball, Garcia dominated opposing High-A hitters. in 68.1 innings he struck out 85 batters and had a 1.84 ERA. His performance alongside Michael Morales earned Garcia a promotion to Double-A as well where he continued to pitch well.

In 47.2 innings for the Travelers, Garcia allowed a 2.83 ERA and struck out 49 batters. While Garcia was starting, he was not pitching as deep into games as a normal starting pitcher would. He only went 3 innings in his last 7 starts for the Travelers. This is likely due to the Mariners not wanting him to throw too many innings this year after being drafted only last year and not pitching a ton in his college career.

Garcia is a name to keep on but he likely isn't as ready as Morales to pitch in the big leagues next year because of his lack of time in the minor leagues. However, he might be effective as a lefty out of the bullpen and if the Mariners think he can help them win games next year out of the bullpen then we could see him in that role.