Brock Moore, RHP
The Mariners’ seventh-round pick in 2024, Brock Moore saw just five innings of game time with Modesto this season. Those five innings, though, immediately proved his skills. The right-hander struck out 10 of the 19 batters he faced and picked up a win in the California League championship series against Lake Elsinore.
Moore is a flamethrowing behemoth. At 6-foot-6, 230 pounds, he cuts an imposing figure even before he unleashes his triple-digit fastball. Like other high-velocity relievers, he can be wild at times, and he walked 20 and hit five batters in his 31 innings with the University of Oregon in 2024. He could find success at the lower levels relying solely on his high heat, but he will need to find better command to survive Double- and Triple-A.
Brock Moore gets Modesto out of the jam! 6-4-3 double-play ends the inning. pic.twitter.com/YzWLdAqpVK
— Mariners Minors (@MiLBMariners) September 19, 2024
Moore could also be an injury concern. He sustained an unspecified injury during the preseason at Oregon, which forced a move from the rotation to the bullpen. At this point, it’s unclear whether the Mariners see him as a starting option or simply a high-velocity reliever. Without a full season of work under his belt, whether Moore can carry a workload is unknown. Regardless of his longevity, watching Moore blow away opposing batters in Modesto and Everett next season will be a treat.
Ruddy Navarro, RHP
An even greater unknown than Moore is teen prospect Ruddy Navarro, who has been working in the Mariners’ Dominican League program for two years. The 18-year-old will likely be heading to Rookie ball in the spring for his first true test.
The Mariners struck gold in the international signing window of 2023, landing Jeter Martinez and Felnin Celesten, who now rank in the club’s Top 20 prospects, according to MLB.com. Navarro was understandably eclipsed by these highly-touted prospects, but he could soon join their ranks. Just 16 at the time of his signing, Navarro already stood 6-foot-1, so there’s a good chance he could fill out and attain some velocity that complements his advanced control and feel.
In Navarro’s eight Dominican League games, he has produced a 1.18 WHIP. In 2024, he struck out 16 and walked just two in 12 innings. His numbers won’t necessarily look that good in the Arizona Complex League, but getting some more innings of experience, just as Martinez did in 2024, will make for a massive leap forward for this promising young arm.
