Seattle Mariners Top Five Impact Rookies to Watch in 2020
Justin Dunn, Seattle Mariners.
4. Justin Dunn – starting pitcher
Unless Kelenic is a bust or Justin Dunn becomes the next Felix Hernandez, he’ll always be known as the other guy GM Jerry DiPoto got from the Mets in the Edwin Diaz/Robinson Cano trade. That’s a shame, Dunn has the makings of a good Major League pitcher. The former 2016 first-round draft pick, has made quick and steady progress through the minors, culminating in four late-2019 relief appearances for the Seattle Mariners.
Dunn has four pitches he can throw effectively. His fastball tops out in the mid-90s with good movement. The slider is Dunn’s out pitch; it generates plenty of swings and misses. Scouts have always liked the “how and when” he throws it.
Although he has a decent curve, it’s used more for an occasional change of pace. To be an effective pitcher at the next level, Dunn needs to develop his changeup more. If he can be consistent with it, the fastball and slider will be much more effective.
Due to a lack of time to get ready for Opening Day, the Seattle Mariners will open the season with six starting pitchers. Dunn begins the year as number six. It will be up to him to keep a spot on the team when the roster gets trimmed to 28 players on August 7. He certainly has the necessary tools to stick around.