Scott Hunter on how the Mariners found value in the 2024 MLB Draft

Scott Hunter, Senior Director of Amateur Scouting for the Seattle Mariners, held a quick meeting with the press to discuss some key takeaways on the newest members of the organization.

The focus of this year's class: Finding uncovered gems

Hunter noted that he felt that the team had been able to dig out real prospects at real values, choosing to focus on power pitchers with highly developable arms. Perhaps the best illustration of this was the Mariners' first-round pick, switch-pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje. Sitting in the mid-90s with his left hand and upper-90s with his right hand, he'll be a once-in-a-lifetime project for one of the best pitching development teams in baseball. Despite his raw talent and unique profile, Hunter stated that it would be unlikely that either he or second-round pick Ryan Sloan would face any live activity before the end of the season.

In addition to Cijntje, two-way player sixth-round pick Grant Knipp was mentioned as someone with nearly endless potential. Hunter was quoted as saying "he could hit 30 home runs for us or be our ninth-inning closer." Knipp had a mind-blowing 1.576 OPS with eight doubles and 18 home runs over 139 plate appearances with Campbell University.

Hunter also pointed out that they emphasized pure stuff over age, drafting several players with full, four-year college careers. he reasoned that older players have tools that can help them get through the minor league system as well as help those around them.

Signability and status of undrafted players that are being pursued

Overall, Scott Hunter was optimistic that the organization would face few hiccups, if any, when it came to signing their draft picks. He said that "90% of the signings are done, 100% will be done by next week pending a few more physicals."

There were several names that weren't on the board that are in talks with the Mariners, primarily pitchers and catchers. They don't have a ton of needs and evaluating the holes in the farm system can be tricky, but Seattle will have a clearer picture of which undrafted free agents to pursue in the coming weeks.

Additional player notes

• RHP Christian Little (Round 11, Pick #333) was discussed as a deceptively experienced pitcher. Because he started his college career early, he graduated as a 21-year-old senior. He's got excellent stuff and velocity in the high 90s. The focus of his development will be encouraging him to trust his stuff and stay within the strike zone.
• 3B Brandon Eike (Round 13, Pick #393) was picked for his power potential and his ability to drive the baseball. Despite playing in a large ballpark at Virginia Commonwealth University, he still managed 27 doubles and 14 home runs in 300 plate appearances. Although it was an admittedly early comparison, Hunter drew parallels to Ty France and Tyler Locklear.
• RHP Harrison Kreiling (Round 17, Pick #513) was highlighted as having great stamina and could remain in the bullpen or be stretched out into a future starter
• RHP Brian Walters (Round 19, Pick #573) is a great pitching talent that Hunter put up as the least likely to sign given the late round. If the Mariners free up money, they might be able to make a run at him but he's got some eligibility left to try and bump up his draft stock.
• RHP Matt Tiberia (Round 18, Pick #543) was pointed out as having the biggest difference between his results on paper and his intrinsic value. He was described as having three solid pitches and was a former two-way player who just came off of Tommy John.