Mariners' top prospect out for season with torn ACL

Toolsy outfielder, Jonny Farmelo, suffered a non-contact knee injury this week which will put his development on hold and end an eye-opening 2024 campaign.

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San Francisco Giants v Seattle Mariners | John E. Moore III/GettyImages

In a devastating blow to the Mariners minor league system, top prospect Jonny Farmelo will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after suffering a torn ACL in his right knee. The five-tool prospect was in the midst of a breakout season leading the Mariners' farm system in strike zone judgment (16.8 BB%) and fronting a dynamic Modesto Nuts lineup.

The 19-year-old outfielder, who was the 29th overall pick in the 2023 MLB Draft, sustained the non-contact injury earlier this week while attempting to make a catch in the outfield for Double-A Modesto. Mariners general manager Justin Hollander confirmed the ACL tear on Saturday, though no surgery has been scheduled yet nor has a timeline been established for Farmelo's recovery.

"Obviously, really disappointing, Hollander said. He was off to an unbelievable start. He was checking a lot of boxes in terms of mastering one level and moving to the next one. So really disappointed for Jonny."
Justin Hollander on Farmelo injury

The injury is a brutal setback for one of the Mariners' most promising prospects. Farmelo had been tearing up Double-A pitching, slashing .264/.398/.421 with 4 home runs, 25 RBIs, and 18 stolen bases in 46 games for Modesto. He showcased an impressive all-around toolset in spring training, with his elite speed drawing rave reviews. Despite the adversity, Hollander expressed confidence that Farmelo's make-up and drive will allow him to tackle this rehabilitation challenge head-on.

Farmelo was one of three prep players the Mariners selected in the first round last year, joining fellow outfielder Colt Emerson and shortstop Tai Peete. The trio was expected to headline the next wave of top talent in the organization's pipeline. Farmelo, a recent addition to MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospect list, will now be forced to put those dreams on hold for a year as he rehabs from the devastating knee injury.

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