Mariners Prospect Spotlight: Aidan Smith

The Mariners have some intriguing outfield prospects across all levels of the farm system. This position group is deep, from Zach Deloach in Tacoma to Lazaro Montes in Modesto. This week’s spotlight is shining on a prospect scouts hailed “a steal” of the 2023 draft, Aidan Smith. 

The 6-3 outfielder, who MLB.com called “the best pure hitter in the Texas high school ranks,” Smith hit .483 as a high school senior, displaying an advanced hit tool. He is a doubles hitter but could develop more power as he progresses through the Mariners’ farm system. 

Smith, a Mississippi State commit, took a hefty $1.2M signing bonus to join the Mariners and quickly adapted to the Arizona Complex League competition. In eight games, he slashed a solid .261/.433/.868, amounting to 128 wRC+ despite a 26.7% strikeout rate. The Mariners were aggressive with his promotion, moving Smith to Modesto last month along with fellow 2023 draftees Colt Emerson and Tai Peete. 

The 18-year-old outfielder is manning centerfield for the surging Modesto Nuts (14-game win streak), playing spectacular defense due to his 60-grade speed. 

However, the defense won’t be his calling card; that will always be the bat. The strikeouts are up (32.6%), which is to be expected for one of the youngest players in the league. But the talent is there; you see it in flashes every few games. 

The upcoming playoff run will be extremely beneficial for him as he adjusts to the rigors of professional baseball. Look for Smith to start 2024 in Modesto with a real chance to climb the ladder to Everett or possibly Arkansas by year’s end.