First round pick Farmelo flashes in Modesto debut

The Modesto Nuts roster includes three 2023 first-round picks: Colt Emerson, Jonny Farmelo, and Tai Peete. While Emerson and Peete logged some High-A at-bats, the Mariners were slow-rolling Farmelo due to a long high school season. It was an aggressive promotion, as his fellow draftees spent at least three weeks in the Arizona Complex League before they climbed the organizational ladder. But the Mariners have a history of challenging their most talented prospects with promotions (Clase, Ford, Young).

Manning centerfield for the California League North second-half champs, the 19-year-old went 2-6 in his professional debut, helping lead the Nuts to a playoff game one win. There’s a lot to like with Farmelo, mainly some above-average tools across the board. However, He showcased his 60-grade speed with an 8th-inning RBI triple down the third base line. He later scored a critical run on a groundout to first. It might seem like a simple play, but that speed won’t take a day off. 

The Mariners used the pick they were awarded because of Julio Rodriguez’s Rookie of the Year Award to take Farmelo, going over slot to sign him away from his commitment to the University of Virginia. It looks like early returns are positive. It’ll be interesting to see how Farmelo performs during what could be a deep playoff run for the Nuts, especially since he’s out there with two of his fellow draftees and good friends, Emerson and Peete.