Grading the Mariners last 5 first round draft picks

2023 First round picks: Colt Emerson, SS (High School, OH), 22nd overall pick; Jonny Farmelo, OF (High School, VA), 29th overall pick; Tai Peete, SS (High School, GA), 30th overall pick

For the first time since 2009, the Mariners had three first round picks last season. After selecting these three high school bats, the Mariners have taken five high school bats in a row in the first round of the draft. Part of the risk of drafting high school players is that most of them have already committed to a university, so the team has to convince the player to give up college and sign with them. The Mariners were able to sign all 3 this year.

Colt Emerson was the first player selected out of this trio. Emerson has dealt with some injuries this season, but he has played really well when he has been on the field. Emerson has the arm to stick at shortstop or even third base, where he played for Team USA. Emerson currently ranks 43rd overall on MLB Pipeline, but ranks 13th overall on Baseball America. He has the same amount of walks as strikeouts so far in his professional career (37), and is hitting .330 so far in his career.

The Mariners then selected young outfielder Jonny Farmelo with the 29th overall pick. Farmelo was not expected to sign, as he was committed to the University of VIrginia. Farmelo was off to a great start for single-A Modesto before a torn ACL ended his 2024 season. Like Ford, Young, and Emerson, Farmelo has shown to be an "on base guy". His OBP was .398 before the injury, while also slugging the ball. He had 17 extra base hits to go along with 18 stolen bases, and looked to be primed to be promoted to Everett before the injury.

Tai Peete was just 17 years old when the Mariners selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2023 MLB draft. and at 18, Peete is also raking in Modesto. He may not have much power (yet), but the hit tool is on full display. .278/.360/.375/.734 as an 18 year old is impressive for sure. Peete also seems like he is a candidate to finish the year in High-A Everett. Peete has some work to do defensively, as the errors have piled up for him. He is still young, and I fully expect the power and defense to come around

The jury is still out on this draft class, but I am still giving this draft a solid A. The fact that all three were able to be signed, and all three are performing at their levels. The injury to Farmelo is a bummer for sure, but he is still young and eill have plenty of time to get back to form. The Mariners have been drafting well over Jerry Dipoto's tenure, and I expect much of the same in the draft this year.

As always, Go Mariners!