Mariner Prospect Spotlight: Tyler Locklear

Most of the Mariners' high-upside prospects man up the middle positions (C, 2B, SS, CF), but there are a few corner infielders to watch. Tyler Locklear is the highest rated of the group, falling into the 10-spot in the Mariners Prospect Big Board. A second round pick in the 2022 Draft out of Virginia Commonwealth University, his calling card is massive raw power.

However, Locklear has made massive strides in the box, almost doubling his walk rate between Modesto (5.3%) and Everett (10.4%). In addition, the slugging first baseman is delivering in big run-producing spots thanks to the dynamic Aquasox top of the order (Harry Ford, Ben Ramirez, Hogan Windish). Peek at the Northwest League Leader Board, and you'll see an exciting trend. Six weeks and 125 at-bats into the season, Locklear is in the Top 10 in nearly every major category.

Locklear entered the system as a corner infielder who would likely move to first base as he developed. He manned the hot corner for Modesto last season with above average grades defensively. Subsequently, he made a move across the diamond this year and has played a spectacular first base for Everett, routinely making web gems.

At this point, the only thing holding Locklear back from joining Jonaton Clase in Arkansas is veteran Robbie Tennerowicz's ultimate promotion to Tacoma. Once that happens, his 60-grade power and emerging defense will head to Double-A, bringing the former second round pick one step closer to realizing the Pete Alonso comparisons scouts laid on him shortly after the 2022 draft.