Mariners Minor League Check-in: Down on the Farm

Ty France Top Hitter Award

The bats are heating up across the system, with Gabriel Gonzalez, Michael Arroyo, and Zach Deloach leading the way. The former second-round pick, Deloach, leads the Mariner's minor leagues in hits with 67, and Arroyo rode a strong start in the ACL to a quick promotion, but the award must go to Gonzalez.

The 19-year-old outfielder is displaying more in-game power with an adjusted approach centered on using the whole field, and the results are outstanding. This season, Gonzalez has become a hitting machine with 20 multi-hit games, one 4-hit game, and six 3-hit games. He also leads the system in multiple offensive categories, including batting average (.337). He has always had a natural feel for hitting, but the 2020 international signee has stepped up his game in his repeat season with Modesto anchoring an exciting team.

Michael Arroyo and Cole Young are at the top of the Modesto Nuts lineup, and Gonzalez will have plenty of run-producing opportunities. This time of year, the Mariners look to reward their advanced hitters for their steady performance with promotions. Look for the Mariners' #7 prospect to join the Everett Aquasox in the next few weeks and possibly an MLB Pipeline Top 100 nod at midseason.