Seattle Mariners: When the M’s top prospects will arrive
According to MLB Pipeline, the Seattle Mariners have the fourth-ranked minor league system in baseball. Here’s when the best in the organization make it to the show.
When it comes to prospects in their minor league system, the Seattle Mariners have an embarrassment of riches. The organization ranks fourth overall with six players Jarred Kelenic, Julio Rodriguez, Emerson Hancock, Logan Gilbert, Evan White, and Taylor Trammell are among the top 60 prospects.
Evan White made his debut last summer. Although he only hit .176, White showed he was more than ready for the Majors. Maybe the best fielding first baseman on the Mariners since John Olerud, White took home the Gold Glove as a rookie. One player who recently graduated from the prospect list, Kyle Lewis, was the 2020 American League Rookie of the Year. When will the next young star make it to the Emerald City? Here are approximate arrival times for the Mariners’ top prospects.
Jarred Kelenic – OF (1st Mariners, 12th MLB)
Jarred Kelenic will finally make his long-awaited MLB debut in 2021. But he won’t be the first of the heralded Seattle Mariners prospect outfield trio to get his call to the show. Even if Kelenic has a great spring training, the M’s will keep him in the minors for service time manipulation.
All of this could look idiotic if Kelenic absolutely destroys spring training or the team goes the Evan White route with him. As a non-luxury tax team, the M’s will be smart with Kelenic and put off his future monster contract for as long as they can. Of course, if the Mariners are in contention for the playoffs late in the year, and Kelenic can help them get to the postseason, the situation could change.