Down on the Farm: Promotion-ready Prospects

Most of the four major minor league affiliates are 50 games into the 2023 season. This time of the year usually signals a large enough sample size to know a player. We've already seen a few promotions with Jonatan Clase, Jorge Benetiz, and Ty Adcock all making their way to Arkansas. However, a few more prospects are worth highlighting as possible promotion candidates. In this edition of "Down on the Farm," we'll focus solely on those rising prospects ticketed for higher levels in the system soon.

Tacoma Rainiers (25-26, 2nd in PCL-West)

The fans have clamored for Mike Ford all season, especially when the Mariners' designated hitters struggled. Now that Teoscar Hernandez is picking up steam (.305 in the last 17 games), Ford in Seattle is less of a necessity. There was a thought that corner infielder and PCL power threat (15 HR) Jake Scheiner would get the call when Oakland A's reliever Trevor May plunked Ty France last week. Well, the beanball didn't injure the Mariners' All-Star first baseman after all. Scheiner can handle both infield corners and provide serious power from the DH spot, but for now, he'll continue to build upon a breakout season in the PCL (.290/.400/1.001).

There is a severe roster crunch at the big-league level, where the team will have some maneuvering to do. Andres Munoz and Penn Murfee started rehab assignments this week and should be ready to join the 26-man roster by the end of the week. Additionally, veteran utilityman Dylan Moore is prepared to start his 2023 campaign after a long recovery from core surgery. So what does this all mean? The team decided to call on Matt Festa today, sending starter Darren McCaughen back down. Festa had a strong run as the Rainiers' closer locking down the late innings (10/10 in SV chances, leads PCL).

However, look for some combination of Taylor Trammell or Sam Haggerty and two relievers to end up at Cheney Stadium shortly.

Everett Aquasox (23-23, 4th in Northwest League)

Several Aquasox has ridden strong starts to promotions (Adcock, Benetiz, Clase), and more are ready to join them in Arkansas. There is a list of promotion-worthy players, but I want to focus on first baseman Tyler Locklear and outfielder Alberto Rodriguez. We've written about Lockear and the work he put in to change a strikeout-heavy approach. He continues to flash a discerning eye and tremendous power in the Northwest League. Locklear is leading the Frogs in hits, homers, and on-base percentage.

He continues to hit the ball with authority to all fields and is ready to jump to Arkansas. The domino that sets Locklear's move up is Robbie Tenerowicz. A 28-year-old first baseman who is a little older for Double AA but raking nonetheless. Once he makes the trip to Tacoma, Locklear should be on the first plane to Dickey Stephens Park. 

As for Alberto Rodriguez, the numbers speak for themselves. He leads the Frogs in doubles (15), triples (4) and is second on the team in homers (8). The exciting thing about Rodriguez, who the Mariners acquired from the Blue Jays for Tajuan Walker, is that he was placed on waivers earlier this year. He cleared waivers due to some lingering questions about his offensive profile. Enter a repeat performance in the NWL and a rejuvenated Rodriguez. He is knocking on the door of Arkansas and should be there by midseason.

Most of you are probably saying, “What about Harry Ford?” While the top prospect has shined in all facets of the game, he is still young for the league. So, the Mariners will probably keep him there until the last month of the season. This approach gives the heralded backstop a chance to suit up for the Travelers in September.

Modesto Nuts (23-23, 2nd in California League North)

Just as Everett's hot start prompted a few early promotions, Modesto could follow suit. The Nuts have several players warranting a jump up the organizational ladder. First, Gabriel Gonzalez, who checks in as the Mariners' seventh-rated prospect. He is repeating the Single-A level and reaping the benefits (.360/.419/.946). The 20-year-old is on a massive hot streak accumulating multiple hits in ten straight games. Unfortunately, at this point, he doesn't have anything else to prove.

Second, Cole Young. He is another youngster who is primed and ready for the Northwest League. The 2022 first-round pick displays actual control and zone tendencies (33 BB/31 SO), while providing an all-fields approach resulting in extra-base hits. In addition, Young has notched 11 doubles and five triples and ripped his first homer of the year this week. The slash line is also solid (.281/.418/.839). Yes, more power would be excellent, but he is only 19 in a league where his competition is typically two years older. It's time for him to join Harry Ford in Everett.

Plenty of intriguing arms are on the pitching side, each with an upside and many questions. However, if any arms go up north, we must start with Brandon Schaeffer.

The 23-year-old southpaw is older for this league and comes from a power five conference school (North Carolina). He has a good feel for his secondaries and has a sneaky fastball. Schaeffer leads the team in ERA (3.15), WHIP (1.25), SO (54), and games started with ten. Others in consideration could be Stefan Raeth and Shaddon Peavyhouse.

A friendly reminder that the Mariners kick off their Arizona Complex League and Dominican Summer League action next week. Top prospects include Michael Arroyo, Laz Montes (ACL) and Felnin Celestin, Jeter Martinez, and Dylan Wilson (DSL). We'll have a primer next week to prepare you for an exciting season of ball in the lower levels.