Mariners call up lightning quick top-10 prospect to give sluggish outfield a jolt

In their latest series against the Cubs, things went from bad to worse for the Mariners in multiple ways. Sure, there are bright points that make it seem like things are possibly turning around (Here's looking at you, Luis), but there are a couple that really standout as tough pieces to swallow for any fan. We already talked about Julio Rodriguez a bit, but it's another Mariners outfielder that is causing changes to be made to the team.

Dominic Canzone was placed on the injured list after running into the wall Sunday, paying the price for the fantastic catch that he made. Early reports make it sound like he has an injured AC joint in his shoulder, although the timetable is unknown. What this means is that the Mariners have made a move to replace him in their outfield, and it's a top-ten prospect for the M's who is earning his first ever call-up to the majors.

Welcome to the show, Jonatan Clase!

Jonatan Clase has earned a call-up for the Mariners, and I couldn't be happier. He's my favorite prospect in the Mariners' system, and one that I have been rooting for over the last few years. I was lucky enough to get a chance to interview him back in April 2021, and the kid showed immense maturity for someone so young.

So, what does Clase bring to the table for the Mariners? Well, I wasn't exaggerating when I brought up his speed. Clase has been swiping bases at an astounding rate, nearly finishing 2023 as a 20-80 player, hitting 20 homers and swiping 79 bases. He's not just a Juan Pierre type with all speed and no power, but shows potential to knock one out of the park as well.

He's continued to do so in Tacoma this season, with two homers, two triples, and four doubles already in just 12 games. His discipline at the plate has been good also, with a K rate of 22.6% and a BB rate of 13.2%. He did have a K rate of around 28% last season in AA, but the BB rate has always been strong as he posted a 13.1% last season as well.

He's also shown his ability in the outfield, going from a fast guy in center to someone who can take strong enough routes to the ball to be a better than average defender with the potential to play it at the major league level. He actually gives the Mariners another option for days like Sunday when Julio Rodriguez has the day off to put someone out there in center and feel comfortable on the defensive side of the ball.

He's a top-ten prospect in the Mariners' system, and there were a fair amount of people that wondered if he would sneak into the top 100 when preseason rankings were announced. Between the game-changing speed, his outfield defense, and a nice eye at the plate with actual power, the soon to be 22-year-old has earned his promotion to the Majors.

Congratulation Jonatan Clase. Looking forward to seeing you in a Mariners jersey!