Hidden gem making waves in the Northwest League for Mariners farm system

Getting stuck on high-upside outfield prospects like Aidan Smith, Jonny Farmelo, and Lazaro Montes is easy. They're young, exciting, and uber-talented. They all rank in the Mariners' top 10 prospect list and offer tantalizing skill sets. However, they aren't the only talented prospects roaming the outfield grass this summer. For this week's prospect spotlight, we'll shine the light on the current Northwest League player of the week, RJ Schreck.

At a youthful 23, Schreck has already carved a unique path in baseball. Following three seasons in the Atlantic Coast Conference representing Duke University, he catapulted to prominence with a standout season for Vanderbilt, a perennial powerhouse. In 84 games, Schreck showcased his distinct potential with a remarkable .294/.415/.532 slash line and astute strike zone judgment (114 BB). His power surged in his final season, with 31 extra-base hits, 14 of which were home runs, marking a significant leap in his growth.

Recognizing Schreck's potential, the Mariners drafted him in the 9th round of the 2023 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft. The versatile outfielder, known for his control-the-zone tendencies, played all three positions and maintained a 'good eye' at the plate. After the draft, he quickly transitioned to full-season baseball, playing 25 games for the California League champion, Modesto Nuts. Despite a slight dip in power, he showcased his adaptability by maintaining a team-leading .343 OBP during Modesto's stretch run, proving his ability to find ways to contribute to the game.

Schreck is currently honing his skills in the Northwest League, playing for the Everett Aquasox this season, and consistently delivering with runners in scoring position.

He is in the NWL's top 10 in doubles, homers, RBI, walks, and on-base percentage. Another eye-popping stat on that leaderboard is 41/33. That's the number of walks and strikeouts Schreck has accumulated this season. He is the only player in the NWL running a net positive in free passes. That means the 23-year-old outfielder is being selective, finding his pitch and taking advantage.

Look for the Mariners to promote RJ Schreck(along with Brock Rodden) soon; he's more than ready.