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.

Arkansas Travelers (28-17, 2nd in Texas League North)

The Travelers continue to roll in the box and on the bump. Bryan Woo is in the top five in many pitching categories, including ERA, BAA, SO, and WHIP. If he were pitching for any other team than the Mariners, he'd be promoted by now. One thing he can solidify is his pitch counts. He's averaging 5 2/3 innings per start. It would be nice to see the 23-year-old flamethrower go deeper into games.

As for the possible promotions, following up on the pitching side is Prelander Berroa, who we wrote about a few weeks ago when the team transitioned him to the bullpen. He's been lights out, flashing his plus-plus slider and triple-digit heat.

The only downside are the walks. They are still there (6 since moving to RP) but less prevalent. If Berroa can continue to shave those free passes down, we could see him in Seattle by midseason.

There is a logjam of outfielders at Tacoma, which is complicating any promotions from Arkansas. For example, Spencer Packard is well-advanced for the Texas League and ready for Tacoma. Still, there must be more at-bats with Adam Engel, Zach Deloach, Cade Marlowe, and, more than likely, Taylor Trammell in the wings. I'm still banking on Packard making the trip to Cheney soon; the slash line (.306/.412/.866) tells the story of a player well above his peers.

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.