Three Seattle Mariners prospects chosen for 2021 Futures Game
Three Seattle Mariners prospects were chosen to play in the 2021 Futures Game on July 11 as part of All-Star Weekend.
The Major League Futures Game is being held on July 11th in Denver as part of the All-Star Game Weekend. The Seattle Mariners are represented by three players, Jared Keleic, Julio Rodriguez, and Emerson Hancock.
Season performance isn’t a basis for selection. If it were, then there would be more Mariners on the American League roster. Instead, selections are based mostly on prospect status and rankings.
Let’s Meet The Mariners
Jarred Kelenic – #4 MLB Prospect, #1 Mariners Prospect, #1 Outfield Prospect
In 24 games with Tacoma, Futures Game returning player (2018), Kelenic is batting .310 with an eye-popping .993 OPS. While his playing time with the Mariners was nightmarish, his return to Tacoma has him feeling comfortable at the plate again. He could be due for a call-up again soon, but not likely before the All-Star break.
Julio Rodriguez – #5 MLB Prospect, #2 Mariners Prospect, #2 Outfield Prospect
J-Rod earned a promotion to AA Arkansas at the end of June after putting up fantastic numbers at High-A Everett. He hit .325 with a .410 OBP and .992 OPS in 117 at-bats. The biggest challenge for Julio Rodriguez is staying healthy. He’s struggled with injuries throughout his brief minor-league career. In 2019, he injured his hand, then in 2020, Rodriguez suffered a hairline fracture to his left wrist. This year he’s stayed healthy and produced results.
Everyone says the power will arrive soon; after all, he’s only 20 years old. It will make him even more dangerous at the plate than he is now. Rodriguez is likely heading for the Olympics in Japan after playing for the Dominican Republic qualifying team last month.
Emerson Hancock – #23 MLB Prospect, #3 Mariners Prospect, #6 Right-Handed Starting Pitcher Prospect
Hancock used each start with High-A Everett to up his pitch count and get deeper into games in his first professional season. The righty started seven games and made through five innings in each of his last two starts. His strikeouts are increasing, as is his velocity.
In his first few starts, Hancock threw in the mid-90s, occasionally touching 97 MPH with his 4-seam fastball. During his most recent start, he averaged 96 MPH with his fastball and hit 99 a couple of times on the radar gun. So far, Hancock has a 2.42 ERA in 26 innings.
Futures Game Snubs
The Future Game is subjective, and while a competitive game is important, statistical relevance isn’t the highest priority, as seen by these snubs:
- Noelvi Marte (Low-A) – 19 years old, .299 avg, .925 OPS, 10 HRs, 36 RBIs, 27 walks
- Taylor Dollard (Low-A stats, promoted to High A) – 22 years old, 14.1 K/9, 3-2, 3.35 ERA in 7 starts
- Zach DeLoach (High-A) – 22 years old, .301 avg, 24 XBH in 44 games, .881 OPS, 6 SBs
- Brandon Williamson (High-A) – 23 years old, 3.19 ERA, 6 games started, 17.1 K/9 in 31.0 innings, 1.00 WHIP
- Cal Raleigh (Triple-A) – 24 years old, .329 avg, 1.001 OPS, 29 XBH in 39 games, 35 RBIs
Related Story: Seattle Mariners June 2021 MVPs
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Joe Swenson is a lifelong Seattle sports fan, Author, Playwright, Director, and Producer.