Five Mariners' youngsters crack updated Baseball America's Top 100 prospects

Major League Baseball insider Jeff Passan might have raised some eyebrows this week when he joined Seattle Sports 710 and promptly praised the Mariners' developmental staff for building what he said could be the best collection of minor league position player talent in the game. Well, the various scouting outlets are taking note. Baseball America released its updated Top 100 Prospects list, with five youngsters making the cut. 

What makes the inclusion of these five players in the Top 100 Prospects list particularly exciting is their youth. Despite their age, they have already begun to make a name for themselves. While Cuban slugger Lazaro Montes has attracted a lot of attention, outfielder Jonny Farmelo is the latest Mariner prospect to gain national recognition, joining his peers on Baseball America's prestigious list.

Jonny Farmelo, a 2023 draft pick, is demonstrating above-average contact ability, elite speed on the base paths, and a solid understanding of the strike zone. He is a key player for the Modesto Nuts' team, which boasts five of the Mariners' top 10 prospects. Farmelo is leading off for the Nuts and has been on a remarkable streak over the past week, achieving four consecutive multi-hit games. 

Farmelo, the Mariners' 8th-ranked prospect, has yet to have one superstar-level tool. Maybe that's why most fans tend to gravitate to prospects like Emerson, Ford, Young, and in some cases Tai Peete. However, the uber-athletic teen makes up for it by offering a balanced five-tool skill set, with each grading above 50 on the scouting scale. Scouts believe Farmelo could develop plus power as he matriculates through the minor leagues, which adds strength to his wiry frame. If he does, watch out because like Montes he'll rise up prospect lists quickly.

There is a good chance the 19-year-old outfielder finishes the year in the Northwest League, forming a dynamic top-of-the-lineup with utilityman Brock Rodden. For now, Farmelo is becoming one of a handful of high-end position players to follow in what's looking like an army of offensive reinforcements for a big-league club needing some balance.