Seattle Mariners 2021 mock draft compilation – 1.0
Ed Stein
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With six and a half weeks left until the MLB Draft on July 11, here is an early look at who the Seattle Mariners might take in the first round.
Now through the Major League Draft on June 11, Pacific Northwest Sports will compile data from mock drafts across the internet. Our readers won’t have to scramble all over the web to find out who is on the Seattle Mariners‘ radar. We compiled the info for you.
Additionally, it’s good for M’s fans to see the consensus among those in the know. The sources may change from edition to edition, but they are reliable. This time we used seven different mock drafts from sources such as ESPN, MLB, Baseball Prospect Journal, Fueled by Sports, and Prospects Live.
In the last several years, the Seattle Mariners drafted some excellent prospects. Players such as Kyle Lewis, Evan White, Logan Gilbert, George Kirby, and Emerson Hancock either are or will be important parts of the franchise’s future.
Of all the major sports, baseball is the one that is hardest to predict future success. The M’s scouting department has done well in recent years. They can be trusted to make a good call on talent. This is who the mock drafts think the Mariners will select.
Favorite – Matt McLain, infield, UCLA
When it comes to drafting Matt McLain, there is quite a bit of contradiction. The UCLA shortstop could be gone by the time Seattle is on the clock. Some mock drafts think he is a top-10 pick; others not so much. For example, The Athletic’s Keith Law has McLain 21st on his big board. Meanwhile, Jim Callis of MLB.com has him going ninth to the Angels.
In one sense, McLain would be a change from the M’s recent M.O. of adding top-tier pitchers. Then again, they have been leaning toward college players. More contradictions.
Three years ago, McLain was a first-round pick by Arizona (2018 – 25th overall). He opted for college and is the same prospect he was coming out of high school. So his draft stock hasn’t changed much since joining the Bruins.
He plays shortstop now but projects as a second baseman in the pros. That’s good for the M’s as Noelvi Marte already looks like Seattle’s shortstop of the future.
Most scouts see McLain as a solid defensive player with good speed. As a pro, he will hit for average with a pinch of pop. McLain also has good speed on the bases.
“After a slow start to the season, he’s now hitting .325/.432/.578 with 19 extra-base hits and nine steals. With a 60-grade hit tool, speed tool, and arm, he has impact potential up the middle.” – Matt Reuter, Bleacher Report.
Others receiving consideration include Harry Ford, C, North Cobb (Ga.) HS; Sam Frelick, OF, Boston College; Ryan Cusick, RHP, Wake Forest; and Ty Madden RHP Texas.
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What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.