Down on the Farm: Mariners Minor League Check-in

Fans are filling Minor League Baseball (MiLB) ballpark seats again, which means Mariner prospects are making noise. We've had a few exciting weeks down on the Farm. So let's kick things off in Tacoma, where some prospects are off to hot starts and gaining helium on the big organizational board.

Tacoma Rainiers Offense Continues to Pummel PCL

14 – 12 (4th overall)

The Rainiers are still swinging some thunderous bats a month into the season. The telling statistic is their Pacific Coast League-leading run differential (+28). The whole lineup is clicking, even with Jose Caballero and Taylor Trammell taking their bat to the Mariners clubhouse. Standouts include organizational Top 10 prospect Cade Marlowe and veteran first baseman Mike Ford.

Marlowe flashed this week, putting all five tools on display. The 25-year-old prospect hit .370 in his past seven games while spraying the ball from line to line (2 3B, 2B, HR). Keep an eye on the walks and strikeouts. We could see Marlowe in Seattle at midseason if he can continue to run a career-low strikeout rate (23.2%) while walking at an acceptable pace (10.7%). Imagine an outfield defense of Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, and Cade Marlowe tracking down anything and everything in the gaps.

As for Mike Ford, he continues to rake, and a trip to the launching pad in Las Vegas just created more helium for the former Yankee farmhand. He's pacing the circuit in numerous categories, including OPS (1.210), RBI (39), and SLG (.730). Ford's April performance is the stuff of Softball Beer League legends.

Brian O'Keefe, Jake Scheiner, Mason McCoy, and Zach Deloach continue to provide some outstanding depth to the lineup combining for an astounding 46 extra-base hits over the Rainiers' first 25 games.

The pitching isn't anything to write home about. The Mariners called up the Rainiers' most dependable starter for a spot start in Toronto, and Easton McGee absolutely shoved (6 2/3 1 hit 0 ER), and the team promptly moved him to the 15-day injured list with a forearm strain. Relievers Matthew Festa and Riley O'Brien are providing lockdown innings at the end of games, though, so that's a start.

Everett Aquasox Offense Takes off with Clase, Ford

11 – 9 (2nd in Northwest League)

Top-hitting prospect Harry Ford came into this season with a lot of buzz, but that happens when you perform well above your age (in Single-A) and springboard into a career-altering experience in the World Baseball Classic. Ford started this season in Everett and scuffled over the first few weeks (.172/.415/.656), but he's flipped a switch and is displaying the plate discipline and bat-to-ball skills scouts rave about.

All the talk about Ford is understandable, but outfielder Jonatan Clase is the current headliner. The switch-hitting outfielder has garnered consecutive High A Player of the Week awards while flashing a tantalizing power (50 grade) and speed (70 grade) combination.

Clase's start in Everett is off the charts (.337/.455/.723) and will probably springboard him to Arkansas by midseason. Fun fact: One hitter in the minors has 5+ HR and 10+ SB, and he's 20 at High-A: Jonatan Clase, Mariners (6 HR, 14 SB)—also one of 79 bats with 15+ walks.

Another player to keep an eye on is corner infielder Tyler Locklear. In this order, he is getting plenty of run-producing opportunities with Clase and Ford ahead of him. He is also playing spectacular defense at first, which bodes well for the position's future at the big-league level.

The Frogs' pitchers are keeping them in ball games, led by starter Reid VanScoter. He leads the starters in multiple pitching categories, including WHIP (0.95) and BAA (.147). Ace Juan Mercedes and relief ace Jorge Benitez parlayed solid starts to their 2023 seasons into promotions to the Arkansas.

Modesto Nuts Showcase Late Inning Magic

14 - 7 (1st in CAL North)

The Modesto Nut racked up three walk-off wins this week against Stockton. Third baseman Josh Hood and MiLB Top 100 prospect Cole Young are the primary offensive sparkplugs, with organizational Top 10 prospect Gabriel Gonzalez out with an undisclosed injury. A middle of the order consisting of Hood, Gabe Moncada, and Freuddy Bautista provided the thump combining for 41 runs batted.

I've been highly impressed with outfielder Bill Knight, who has benefited from Gonzelez's time on the shelf. He has an easy swing and maximizes his plus speed using the entire field. The slash line isn't the only story with Knight (.343/.405/.927).

Our last check-in had Former North Carolina Tar Heel Shaddon Peavyhouse leading the pitching staff, and he has still performed well (3-1, 2.45 ERA, BAA .195). But I'd be remiss if we didn't highlight Michael Morales. He always had a projectable delivery and an analytically-based approach, but scouts were waiting for it to click. So finally, we may be there.

The stuff is ticking up significantly since he's reigned in the control issues. A key byproduct is Morales destined for Everett by the season's end.

It's exciting times in Down on the Farm with plenty of early season surprises. As always, the weather is warming up; get out to the ballpark if possible because many of the Mariners' top prospects are on the fast track.