Three player comps for Mariners 29th Pick, OF Jonny Farmelo

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The emotions running through Lumen Field were insane as the Mariners prepped to make their second pick of the first round. They had earned the 29th pick due to Julio Rodriguez being on the roster to start the season on his path to winning Rookie of the Year. Other teams had also lost their first round picks, which is why this pick slotted in at 29 instead of 31. They used it on OF Jonny Farmelo.

It was right before this pick that the highlight of the entire night happened. The Astros held the 28th pick, and I think all Seattle fans think the same about that organization. You could barely hear Manfred on the TV as the booing was enough to drown him out, so loud that it actually flustered him and caused him to pause and look out at the crowd. It's a good thing they didn't enforce the "throwing out anyone who boos", because everyone in attendance would've been tossed.

But hey, when does Manfred ever actually enforce anything?

Anyway, I'm not here to harp on Manfred (not too much at least), but instead, to focus on the Mariners selection at 29, Jonny Farmelo. Like we did for Colt Emerson, let's take a look at some player comps for the young OF.

The Floor: Dylan Moore

A fantastic athlete, Farmelo has shown an ability to play two of the most important positions on the field, Center and Short. He's spent his recent time in the outfield, showing an aptitude and ability to man center already. He can run and field, which plays into the floor.

I'm sticking with a Mariners theme through all of these picks when I can, as it's just more fun. Especially if there is one that I think is a fair comparison. Dylan Moore has been fun to root for, and he has had some great moments, but he is also a UTIL player that struggles to produce in a consistent manner.

He can play middle infield, he can man the outfield positions. The speed looks to play more than the power, but there is some power potential there based on his bat speed and quick approach at the plate. Maybe some of the tools end up lagging behind, and he ends up a high variance guy who mans the bench, giving an ability to slot into 4/5 positions on the field when need be.

The Median/The Guess: Lars Nootbar

They're built about the same, or likely will be as Farmelo grows and matures a bit more. Nootbar is a solid, and still young, outfielder that you want out there. He gives you decent defense at a couple of outfield positions, able to play them all average or above.

I think of Nootbar as a very safe and reliable outfielder. He's a career .241/.343/.420 so far early in his career, showing the ability to hit for power in the mid-teens, while also pushing for double-digit steals. You don't want him to be your best outfielder at this point. If he is, your team isn't in a good place.

However, this is a play you definitely want on your team. Think of all those years... decades, actually, that the Mariners were tossing out players in LF that never stuck around. A line like Nootbar's above that comes with a combination of around 20-25 HR/SB is one you can definitely be happy with.

The Ceiling: Adolis Garcia

A division rival makes it fun and painful to give a comp too. Garcia bloomed late, but has been a monster over the last few seasons. Possessing the ability to be a 20/20 guy with extra pop and a good bat, those are all things that Farmelo could turn into if the swing really grades up as people predict.

Good enough to play above-average center field? Check.
Plus runner? Check
Pop that could develop as he ages? Check
A fun name? Check

Garcia has been a late bloomer, playing his age-28 season as a rookie. A few years later, he's a participant in the home run derby, and will be taking the field as a starter during the all star game itself. Not only that, but he's on pace for 40-45 homeruns this year, and leads the league in RBI with 75, on pace for 135.

Could Farmelo match any of that? With his quick hands and how fast he gets to the ball, there is a lot of power potential as he grows. He's athletic enough that he isn't just someone who can play center field, but someone that can do it with confidence. If EVERYTHING comes to fruition, I think a player in the mold of Adolis Garcia could be entirely possible for Farmelo.

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