Mariners continue one of the most unique drafts selecting powerful two-way catcher

As the second day of the 2024 MLB Draft really starts to roll and teams are rapidly making their selections, it is easy to overlook some of the names that pop up. The first day focuses in on high-impact, high-upside players and, in the Mariners' recent history, the second day is filled with college arms that are likely to go under slot to account for some of the upside players they took early.

After taking one of the most interesting arms, Jurrangelo Cijntje, who is a switch-pitcher, in the first round, they took a prep arm with an incredible ceiling in the second round, Ryan Sloan. Cijntje had a wide range of outcomes on day 1 as a righty e can sit mid 90s and got regular Marcus Stroman comps. As a lefty, he was in the low 90s but still impressive for anyone who can sit 90 from both sides.

These two arms will likely require at least slot value and in Sloan's case, quite a bit over. Therefore, the Mariners proceeded to select three straight college players who are all relatively older players. This should help the Mariners afford Cijnjte and Sloan. However, it was the next pick that should really pique Mariners fans' interest.

With the #183rd pick, the Mariners selected two-way catcher, Grant Knipp

It isn't often that a sixth-round catcher from the Big South Conference will grab your attention but think again. Seattle grabbed a monster of a man in Grant Knipp, a catcher from Campbell University. Knipp is 6'2 and 230 lbs, a solidly built catcher with incredible power. In 29 games in 2024, Knipp hit 18 home runs while slashing .402/.547/.1029. He hit some majestic home runs and offers a plus power tool. The hit tool lags behind, but there is legit 30-home-run power here. Just reading the reports, reminds me a bit of Evan Gattis. If the catching and hitting doesn't work out, however, Knipp does have a fallback option.

Knipp doesn't have a lot of experience on the mound, but the Mariners announced him as a two-way player. On MLB.com's draft coverage, Jim Callis said, "Guys actually like him more as a pitcher. He does have some pop, he's older, a fourth-year junior, 93-97 on the mound. I know the guys I talked to, actually liked him more, despite those gaudy offensive numbers, on the mound." This pick continues a very interesting draft for Scott Hunter and the Mariners and Grant Knipp's career will be one of the most interesting to follow from the 2024 MLB Draft class.