Mariners land dynamic college infielder in latest MLB Pipeline Mock Draft

Trade rumors dominate this time of year, and rightfully so. This Mariners team is in the midst of the biggest division lead in all of baseball and is likely to be extremely active in adding offense this year.

With all of the trade rumors, it's hard to remember that this year is also the best time of the year for teams to add to their depth of prospects. The MLB Draft gives rebuilding teams the ideal chance to stock up on young, exciting talent and has become a major event every single year.

Though it's not as big of a production as the NBA or NFL Draft, the MLB Draft has gotten more notoriety in recent years, especially with the level of talent that some of the colleges produce. They have even followed suit with other major sports by introducing an MLB Draft Combine. The lack of minor league experience some of these players get before debuting is rather insane. But it gives fans an opportunity to know someone who might help their team really soon (see Paul Skenes).

As we sift through mock drafts for the upcoming 2024 MLB Mock Draft, there isn't a lot of clear direction for the Mariners. The Mariners' farm system lacks a lot of pitching talent, with some of the best offensive talents of any system, but the major league club is loaded with elite starting pitchers and their offense struggles. However, in the latest mock draft from, MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo, he has the Mariners selecting an electrifying talent.

MLB Pipeline has the Mariners landing a dynamic infielder in Seaver King

Seaver King is one of the more interesting players in the 2024 MLB Draft. The Wake Forest product spent two seasons at Wingate University, a Division Two college in North Carolina. While there he flashed his hit tool, putting together a 47-game hit streak. He transferred to the ACC powerhouse to face better competition and he hasn't slowed.

King is the definition of an athlete. He has played second base, shortstop, centerfield, and now third base. He has played the most at third base, but his speed might be better suited for the outfield. His defense should be about average no matter where he plays, but his offensive profile is very interesting.

King isn't a physically imposing bat, but a very solid hit tool has led to a .308/.377/.577 slash line at Wake Forest. In those 60 games he has hit 16 home runs and stolen 11 bases while hitting in the middle of a very talented Demon Deacons team.

MLB Pipeline praises his well-rounded abilities but has concerns about the approach and high chase rates, something that could come with more games against better competition. MLB Pipelines gives King solid grades of 55 hit-tool, 45 power, 65-grade run, 55-grade arm, and a 55-grade field. King is one of those do-it-all types of players who could probably play any position on the diamond and be a very good player. I have even seen some people give Mookie Betts comparisons! Obviously, that is a lofty comp, but even a poor man's Mookie Betts would be a valuable asset to any club.

King would add a different element to this Mariners system and is someone that Scott Servais could have fun moving around but produce regularly in the middle of the lineup. King isn't the type to be a 30-home run guy, but he could very well hit for a .250-.260 average, with 15-20 home run power, and steal 20-30 bases. King could give the Mariners a dynamic playmaker that the Mariners have been looking to develop.