Seattle Mariners Top 15 Prospects For 2024

The Seattle Mariners may still be searching for that offensive spark to get the ball rolling in 2024, but one thing has been made crystal clear: they have the brightest future of any rotation in the American League, and possibly in all of baseball. President of Baseball Operations Jerry Dipoto has been on as strong of a run in the draft as any lead executive in baseball over the last several years, hitting on college arms like George Kirby, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo.

However, Seattle has built one of the better farm systems in the game with an abundance of high school bats, taking a prep hitter with each of their last five first round picks. All five sit in the team’s top seven prospects, with two IFA signings breaking up the bunch. With Dipoto and Scouting Director Scott Hunter in charge, the Mariners are looking to build a perennial contender, and they seem to be well on their way.

1. Cole Young – SS – (Double-A)

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (21) – 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2025

As polished of a prep prospect as you were going to find from the jump, Young has impressed with his feel to hit, advanced approach, and smooth actions in the field.

Offense

Young hit the ground running in pro ball thanks to his ability to consistently make contact and his patient approach. He has little pre-swing movement, a great feel for the barrel and engages his lower half well, allowing him to consistently be on time and spray line drives. He has demonstrated the ability to get to difficult pitches and is extremely adjustable with a path that enters the zone early and stays through it for a long time.

Since debuting in 2022, Young has walked more than he has struck out while getting on base at a .400 clip. While power will never be a big part of his game, he already uses the field so well for a young hitter and could grow into average pop.

Between his 15% chase rate and ability to hit with two strikes, Young should be a consistent threat to get on base with low strikeout totals. He already hits lefties pretty well while posting solid overall numbers against secondary stuff. Young is a high floor bat with on-base skills that should translate as he climbs and potentially enough power to hit 10-15 homers.

Defense/Speed

A smooth defender with great actions and footwork, Young is already an extremely reliable defender. While his arm is average, his instincts and quick feet help him extend his range. Just 19 years old at season’s start, Young could make some gains with his arm strength as he matures physically, which could make him a plus defender at short. Regardless, he has a great chance of sticking there.

An above average runner, Young has the speed to be a factor on the base paths and has been a willing base stealer at the lower levels thus far.

Outlook

Viewed as one of the “safer” prep prospects in the 2022 draft, Young has appeared to be just that in the early goings of his professional career. Between his feel to hit and approach, it is not hard to believe in Young’s bat. Add in his solid tools across the board, great baseball instincts and the potential for average power and there is an above average big league shortstop to dream on here.

2. Colt Emerson – SS/3B – (Low-A)

Height/Weight: 6’0″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (22) – 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

One of the younger prep bats in the 2023 class, Emerson’s strong summer circuit and performance for Team USA helped him rise up draft boards. Similar to 2022 first rounder Cole Young, Emerson had no issue transitioning into pro ball straight from the prep ranks, standing out right away.

Offense

Emerson boasts a smooth swing from the left-side with a good feel for the barrel. He already uses his lower half well with a smooth gathering leg kick and keeps his weight back at launch pretty well.

Already flashing above average power with room for more in his frame, Emerson has the potential to produce at least average game power as he matures. He was one of the youngest players in the class at just 17 years old on draft day.

He has an extremely quick bat with the feel for the barrel to get too tough spots. A patient hitter, the combination of Emerson’s early load and launch quickness allow him to see the ball longer and make good decisions. He ran a chase rate just under 20% in his 28 pro games. There’s potential for a plus hit tool or better.

Defense/Speed

Nothing jumps off the page when it comes to Emerson’s tools, but he also has little to no holes to poke. He is a slightly above average runner with an above average arm and soft hands. His actions are smooth for a young prep shortstop and he is comfortable making throws from different angles. He is really comfortable going to his backhand, already showing the ability to steal hits in the hole with the arm strength to make the throw.

Outlook

Through eight games at the complex and 20 more at Low-A, Emerson was fantastic, hitting .391/.500/.555 with nearly as many walks as strikeouts. In four postseason games for Modesto, he picked up 11 hits, helping them to their first California League title.

How much power Emerson will hit for will ultimately determine his ceiling, but he is one of the higher floor high school prospects in the 2023 draft class with plenty in common with fellow Mariners first rounder Cole Young. He is a big name to watch in 2024.

3. Harry Ford – C – (Double-A)

Height/Weight: 5’10″, 200 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 1st Round (12), 2021 (SEA) | ETA: 2025

First round prep catchers have a brutal track record, but Ford is not your typical prep catcher. Easy plus speed and projectable power give Ford plenty of upside, even if he does not stick behind the dish.

Offense

A physical 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, Ford generates impressive bat speed and a lofty swing geared for lift. Ford scrapped the leg kick in favor of a toe tap, which has helped mitigate some challenges against higher velocity without compromising the quality of his impact.

His path can result in a bit more whiff at the top of the zone, though he hedges that with elite plate discipline and an innate feel for the strike zone. Ford has walked at an 18% clip as a pro, while chasing just 14% of the time.

Though he is pretty filled out frame wise, Ford gotten his lower half more consistently involved in his swing and has tapping into more impact 2023. He saw nearly a two mph jump in his 90th percentile exit velocity and launched a career-best 15 homers.

While his exit velocities likely settle around average at best, his ability to consistently elevate and advanced approach give him the potential to hit 20 home runs with great on base skills.

Defense/Speed

Though he is an extremely athletic catcher, Ford’s blocking has improved but he has lapses, allowing 20 passed balls in 78 games during the 2023 season. His above average arm and twitchiness have helped him limit the run game and he earns high marks for the way he works with pitchers. His receiving has progressed well.

Ford is such a good athlete that he could probably play center field, but his improvements behind the dish make it decreasingly likely that he plays elsewhere. An easy plus runner, Ford swiped 24 bags on 32 tries in 118 games during the 2023 season.

Outlook

A smart player and grinder, Ford earns high marks for his makeup and work ethic and his steady improvements as a catcher only help validate that assertion. Even if the hit and power are closer to average, his superb on base skills and speed should help maximize his offensive value. Assuming his defense continues to progress, Ford has the upside of an above average everyday catcher who is capable of putting up 20/20 seasons.

4. Lazaro Montes – DH – (Low-A)

Height/Weight: 6’6″, 245 | Bat/Throw: L/R | IFA: $2.5M – 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

An imposing figure with as much raw power as you’re going to see from a teenage hitter, Montes has 40 home run upside, but swing and miss concerns and a high DH likelihood make him a risky prospect.

Offense

A gargantuan human, Montes towers at 6-foot-4, 250 pounds, easily producing elite exit velocities as a teenager. Starting with a wide stance, Montes utilizes a big leg kick that he controls well. For such a big frame, Montes repeats his moves well and is under control.

Already boasting elite exit velocities, Montes posted the highest 90th percentile exit velocity of any player under 19 years old in 2023 with a max of 118.4 MPH. There’s naturally some length to his swing which can result in swing and miss and his ability to recognize spin is a work in progress, but an overall good feel for the strike zone and enough quickness to hit velocity hedge some of the hit tool concerns. He ran a chase rate around 23% in 2023 leading to a 17% walk rate, though he will need to make more consistent contact to tap into his offensive ceiling.

Defense/Speed

Montes does not move very well and with the likelihood of slowing down further, he is likely to move to first base or DH.

Outlook

With next to no value beyond his bat, it’s going to be important for Montes to hit enough to tap into his double plus power. Maintaining his ability to draw walks as he climbs levels will be key for the slugger as well. If it all comes together, Montes could become one of the most dangerous power hitters in baseball, but he still has a ways to go.

5. Jonny Farmelo – OF – (Low-A)

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 205 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (29), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

Tools galore with a feel to hit that may be better than anticipated, Farmelo has a chance to be a dynamic centerfielder.

Offense

Starting slightly crouched with his barrel flat, Farmelo gathers into his back side with a sizable leg kick. He sometimes looks rushed with the big move, but cuts down the height of his stride with two strikes or when pitchers are quicker to the plate. It’s also a rather new move for him, using a toe tap in his load as an amateur.

Farmelo’s swing path is geared for lift, but he has showed an improved feel for the barrel and some adjustability that he appeared to lack at points as an amateur, providing optimism for an average hit tool. There’s above average juice to dream on as Farmelo continues to grow into his frame and gains more comfort swinging for damage in the box.

Farmelo is a patient hitter, already showing a good feel for the strike zone. The improved feel to hit takes some pressure off of the need to slug, but there’s potential for average hit and above average power buoyed by strong plate discipline.

Defense/Speed

An absolute burner, Farmelo turns in double plus run times and has already translated that speed into impact on the base paths and in centerfield. With an average arm and his elite athleticism, he has the ingredients to be a well above average defender up the middle and a high-volume base stealer.

Outlook

Already an exciting prospect based on sheer tools, strides in the contact department in the early going of his professional career only adds to the intrigue. There’s potential for a dynamic everyday centerfielder who can pack a bit of a punch and get on base at a good clip.

6. Felnin Celesten – SS – (CPX)

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 180 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $4.7M – 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

Extremely toolsy and projectable, Celesten earned the second biggest pay day out of the 2023 IFA class. His pro debut was delayed until 2024 due to a hamstring injury last season.

Offense

A switch hitter with an athletic swing form both sides of the plate, Celesten features a big leg kick that he starts early and controls well. His right-handed swing is a bit ahead of his left-handed swing, controlling his lower half more effectively with a more efficient path. It’s not uncommon for right-side dominant switch-hitters to fight some swing path and drift issues from the left side and Celesten already boasts impressive bat speed from both sides.

Already whippy with impressive impact for his age, Celesten is wiry with room for more strength. There’s at least above average power projection as he fills out and utilizes the ground more effectively. Admittedly, plate discipline is difficult to put a grade on at this point considering how little Celesten has played at this point. Even limited looks at the prized free agent make it easy to understand why he commanded so much attention as his offensive tools are tantalizing.

Defense/Speed

Quick and twitchy, Celesten moves his feet well at shortstop with impressive range. His glove work is impressively advanced, comfortable picking to his backhand or crashing in to his forehand with smooth actions while getting the ball out quick. He possesses a well above average to potentially plus arm as well. It’s easy to envision plus defensive potential with Celesten. A plus runner, Celesten takes galloping strides that chew up plenty of ground quickly. He should be a factor on the base paths.

Outlook

Limited looks make Celesten as speculative of a write up as you’re going to find at this point, but his skill set and upside is uncommon. After the hamstring strain wiped out his chance to play in the Dominican Summer League last season, Celesten will leap straight to the Complex League to make his pro debut in what will still be his age 18 season. Acknowledging that plenty has to go right, Celesten could be a switch-hitting five tool shortstop with as much potential as just about any prospect at the complex.

7. Tai Peete – SS/OF – (Low-A)

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 195 | Bat/Throw: L/R | 1st Round (30), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

A twitchy athlete who was one of the youngest players in the 2023 class, Peete offers exciting upside, but is far off.

Offense

Starting with a slight bend at the knees and his hands relaxed just above his shoulder, Peete uses a hovering stride while coiling into his back hip. He is still raw in the box, struggling to repeat his moves at times which can throw off his timing. When everything is in sync, Peete’s plus bat speed is evident and he has little issue elevating. There’s above average impact in the tank.

Peete can be expansive with fastballs, but has demonstrated decent pitch recognition on breaking balls already, part of what helped him get off of the complex so quickly. He has the tendency to step in the bucket, which can cause him to pull off and his bat to leave the zone prematurely, especially in left on left matchups. As a result, his impact is mostly to the pull side with batted balls to the opposite field being more flares than barrels.

All of these things should get shored up as Peete gains experience. One of the youngest players in the California League at the start of the 2024 season, results can be taken with a somewhat of a grain of salt as the talented teenager gets his feet wet. It’s hard to argue against the tools and the early flashes he has provided.

Defense/Speed

While Peete is a quick-twitch athlete, his footwork on the left side of the infield is rough and his actions are not much better. He has a strong arm which could ultimately play better in the outfield along with his speed. For now, the Mariners will continue to give Peete looks on the left side of the infield, with third base being a more realistic position than shortstop to see progress. Ultimately, centerfield may make the most sense. His quickness and speed should make him a constant threat to steal bags.

Outlook

A bit of a project, Peete is a fun one at that even with a lack of defensive clarity thanks to his offensive upside and athleticism. Despite both being high school draftees in the same class Peete is full year younger than his Modesto teammate Jonny Farmelo and will likely climb a bit slower than the rest of the Mariners talented position players at the lower levels.

The hit tool is fringy, but with above average power and plus speed, there’s potential for an above average regular as the defensive side of things gets sorted out.

8. Tyler Locklear – 1B – (Double-A)

Height/Weight: 6’3″, 215 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (58), 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2025

A big power bat who has put up great numbers at each stop, the Mariners hope that Locklear can hit enough to be their future at first base.

Offense

Starting upright with his hands high and a bat waggle that tips the barrel towards the pitcher, Locklear has toned down his pre swing movement and has also brought his hands closer to his body, both of which should help him from a timing and consistency standpoint.

There’s stiffness to his swing, but he really packs a punch, boasting impressive power to all fields with an improved ability to get the ball in the air consistently. Capable of smashing tape measure shots as far as 450 feet, Locklear easily possesses plus game power potential as he continues to trend towards elevating more.

Locklear has a great feel for the strike zone, running a chase rate in the low 20% range while making good overall swing decisions. His plate discipline takes some pressure off of his fringy hit tool, as does his improved launch angle.

Defense/Speed

Drafted as a third baseman, Locklear has since moved to first base where he is a solid defender with good hands and range. He moves quite well for a player of his build, flirting with average run times when he is really motoring. He will even swipe bags opportunistically, going 12 for 12 in 2023.

Outlook

Like any first base prospect, Locklear is going to have to really hit to carve out a role for himself at the highest level. It’s fair to question whether the stiffness of Locklear’s swing could create some challenges against velocity and his overall hit tool at the highest level, but his plus power and plate discipline paired with a track record of hitting help his case. There’s 30 home run upside with the ability to play first base everyday and get on base at an above average clip.

9. Jonatan Clase – OF – (MLB)

Height/Weight: 5’9″, 165 | Bat/Throw: S/R | IFA: $35K – 2018 (SEA) | ETA: 2024

A great runner and strong defender, Clase took a leap forward offensively in 2023, but there’s still some question around his offensive ability translating at the highest level.

Offense

A switch hitter, Clase features a similar load and swing from both sides with slightly different setups. His load is somewhat unique, pumping his hands in tandem with a leg kick and sink into his back side. It’s a lot of movement to sync up, but Clase’s athleticism helps. Working uphill, Clase’s swing is lofty, which can create issues at the top half of the zone and too many pop ups. That said, it does also allow him to slug more than his exit velocities would imply.

Due to the fringy nature of his hit tool, Clase would benefit from being more selective. As he has climbed to the upper levels, he has struggled to lay off of breaking balls.

Defense/Speed

A 70 runner, speed is Clase’s best tool and he uses it well in center. Though his jumps and routes have continued to improve, he has the wheels to close in on balls even if he gets off on the wrong foot. When Clase gets a good jump, he is capable of getting to balls few outfielders can. With an above average arm to go with his legs, Clase projects as an above average to plus defender in center.

One of the higher volume base stealers in the Minor Leagues, Clase swiped 79 bags on 94 tries in 2023. He has focused on being more efficient at the upper levels, which may result in less bags total but more overall value on base.

Outlook

While there’s some risk that Clase may not hit enough to be an everyday player, he has been one of the younger players at every stop, reaching Double-A before his 21st birthday and making his MLB debut before turning 22. It seems to be more of a pitch recognition and timing issue rather than a swing that is too rigid or a total lack of feel for the barrel, with the hope being that he can make strides with his plate discipline as he accumulates more upper level at bats. He still has the upside of an average big league centerfielder if it all clicks.

10. Michael Arroyo – 2B – (Low-A)

Height/Weight: 5’8″, 160 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $1.375M, 2022 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

A bat-first prospect with limited power, Arroyo will need to really hit to be a regular, but he has demonstrated the ability to do so in the early going.

Offense

Starting with his feet about shoulder-width apart and his hands just above his shoulder, Arroyo’s utilizes a medium-sized gather along with a barrel tip to get into his launch position. He has shorter levers and great hand-eye, aiding his ability to get to pitches in different locations. Arroyo has the tendency to close himself off with his stride, which can make it more difficult to turn around velocity on the inner half, but his barrel accuracy and quick hands help mitigate that issue.

Already a patient hitter, Arroyo has run a chase rate below 20% as a pro, consistently walking at a high clip. Given his 5-foot-8 frame, there’s not a ton of impact with Arroyo, but his exit velocities are above average for his age, with the ability to split the gaps and plenty of line drives.

Defense/Speed

Not the most agile of defenders, Arroyo’s range is limited at second base but his previously stiffer actions have improved as has his ability to read hops. He has a comfortably above average arm for the position. Arroyo is a fringy runner who is unlikely to steal more than a few bags per year.

Outlook

With limited value beyond his impressive feel to hit, there’s plenty of pressure Arroyo’s ability to hit for average and get on base. While there may not be more than 10-15 home run upside, Arroyo has the ingredients to be a doubles machine between his knack for hitting line drives and decent exit velocities. He entered is age 19 campaign already with 57 Low-A games under his belt where he produced a 118 wRC+. There’s some things working against him, but Arroyo has already flashed enough offensive upside to be a big league regular.

11. Logan Evans – RHP – (Double-A)

Height/Weight: 6’5″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 12th Round (367), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2025

Sometimes, prospect’s stories just don’t make sense. On the surface level, that seems to be Evans’ case. His collegiate career consisted of two seasons at Penn State and two seasons at Pitt, pitching to a 6.78 ERA at the college level before signing with the M’s for $100,000 last year as their 12th round pick. The Mariners assigned him straight to Double-A to make his pro debut, where in his first 11 professional starts, the right-hander pitched to a 1.24 ERA in 43.2 IP.

Evans is a taller arm at 6-foot-5 and throws the kitchen sink at hitters. He has a sinker but also throws the kitchen-sink at hitters. His fastball averages around 94 mph with nearly 18 inches of horizontal run, creating ridiculous lateral separation from his sweepy slider which he throws nearly a third of the time with plenty of confidence. His 3,100 RPM curveball has become more effective as he has differentiated it from the slider with more vertical break and less slurvy action. His changeup has flashed as well. There’s back end starter potential here as Evans may continue to enjoy helium to his prospect stock.

12. Jeter Martinez – RHP – (CPX)

Height/Weight: 6’4″, 185 | Bat/Throw: R/R | IFA: $600K, 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2027

After pitching to a 1.72 ERA in 47 Dominican Summer League innings at 17 years old, Martinez showed up to camp in 2024 looking more physical with a fastball that has jumped multiple ticks, now sitting closer to the mid 90s and running it up to 98 mph. His slider is tighter and sharper at 82-84 mph with two plane break. He has flashed a changeup as well that can get firm, but flashes some arm-side fade.

The command can be sporadic, though he has stretches where his mechanics are in sync and he fills up the zone which is nothing out of the ordinary for a 6-foot-4 teenage arm. Martinez has the most exciting stuff in the Mariners system.

13. Ben Williamson – 3B – (High-A)

Height/Weight: 6’1″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (57), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

A phenomenal defender at the hot corner, Williamson has even seen some action at shortstop where he is more than capable as well. He lacks the impact desired from a corner infield spot, hitting just 19 home runs in his 156 games at William and Mary.

He has flashed average pop to the pull side though he prefers to go the other way. Williamson is at least an average hitter with a chance to inch closer to above average thanks to his ability to spoil tough pitches and salvage bad swing decisions with a strong out of zone contact rate. Williamson likely projects as a high-end utility option.

14. Teddy McGraw – RHP – (CPX)

Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 3rd Round (92), 2023 (SEA) | ETA: 2026

McGraw looked like a first round pick heading into the 2023 season for Wake Forest before unfortunately needing to undergo his second Tommy John surgery. The Mariners still snagged McGraw in the third round, signing him to a $600,000 bonus, nearly 20% less than the slot value.

The right-hander’s heavy fastball is a ground ball machine, averaging 94 mph, running it up to 98 mph with plenty of arm side run. His slider is an easy plus pitch with two plane break at 82-94 mph. His command was fringy prior to his second surgery and likely will be a work in progress when he returns.

15. Ryan Bliss – 2B – (Triple-A)

Height/Weight: 5’6″, 165 | Bat/Throw: R/R | 2nd Round (42), 2021 (ARI) | ETA: 2024

Bliss overcomes a fringy hit tool and power with a great approach, small strike zone and the ability to elevate to all fields with carry. Bliss projects as a second baseman at the highest level, but still sees action at shortstop where he can hold it down in a pinch. His struggles against velocity is a bit of a concern and could limit him from being an everyday player.

A plus runner who swiped 55 bags on 70 tries in 2023, Bliss worked to be a more efficient base stealer and has looked improved in that department in 2024. He likely projects as a platoon/utility piece.

Other Names to Watch

Walter Ford – RHP – (CPX): The 74th overall pick in 2022, Ford is still just 19 years old after forgoing his Alabama commitment as a two-way talent. The results have been good-not-great at the Complex level for Ford in terms of run suppression in his first two tastes, but opponents are hitting .294 against him in his 25.1 professional innings. Ford had a fastball/slider combination at time of drafting that looked comfortably above average, but he has a ways to go recapture some of that life that made him a highly-sought after high school arm.

Brody Hopkins – RHP – (Low-A): The younger brother of TJ Hopkins, Brody was a hitter-primary at College of Charleston before transferring to Winthrop for his draft year. In 2023, Hopkins had a .906 OPS in 160 at-bats while punching out 66 in 54.0 IP on the hill. However, significant command issues caused him to fall to Seattle in the sixth round last year, and the Mariners shut him down after he put pen to paper. This year in Modesto, Hopkins is showing a decent feel on the mound, allowing 8 ER and punching out 23 in 17.2 IP to this point with opponents hitting a measly .182 against him. He’s so early in his maturation process as a pitcher, but his mid 90s fastball and low 80s slider could give him a bullpen-caliber pitch mix.

Dawel Joseph – SS – (DSL): Still just 16 years old, Joseph put pen to paper during the last International Free Agency cycle for $3 million. There may not be a game sample to work off of for Joseph just yet, but a 6-foot-2, 185-pound 16-year-old with that hefty of a price tag is certainly a name to keep tabs on. While he’s apparently lost a step or two with the growth spurt, Joseph has the makings of a smooth, power hitting shortstop.

Jimmy Joyce – RHP – (Double-A): A 16th round pick in 2021 out of Hofstra, Joyce saw his stuff tick up in 2023, averaging 93 mph with his fastball, which helped his best pitch (changeup) play up even more. He mixes in a breaking ball as well in the low 80s. Joyce gets a lot of weak contact on the ground and throws strikes. He has the ingredients to be a swingman at the big league level. He missed the start of the 2024 season with a forearm strain.

Michael Morales – RHP – (High-A): Morales already has over 250 professional innings under his belt, and he won’t turn 22 years old until mid-August. The former third round pick of Seattle has had a so-so start to his professional career, but is settling into his own a bit more with each passing season. The right-hander shows a low 90s heater with a downer curveball working off of it, and will occasionally mix in a firmer slider and a decent changeup. He is willing to pepper the strike zone and work deep into outings, but Morales will need to curb his .270 BAA in the lower levels to reach his big league potential.

Alberto Rodriguez – OF – (Double-A): The 23-year-old Rodriguez has gotten off to a rough start in 2024, but his 2023 season between High-A Everett and Double-A Arkansas was as impressive as he’s been in his professional career. Rodriguez slashed .300/.380/.504 in his 118 games as an AquaSock and Traveler, tallying nearly 40 doubles and driving in 85. He strikes out a good bit and the stolen base is slowly leaving his game, but Rodriguez has a well-rounded game that could find him on a major league bench in a matter of seasons.

Aidan Smith – OF – (Low-A): Smith was committed to Mississippi State, but the Mariners pulled him away from Starkville with a well over-slot $1.2 million signing bonus when they took him in the fourth round last year. The 19-year-old looked like one of the more well-rounded high school prospects in the class, showcasing a nice blend of speed and power. In his first 25 games of 2024 with the Modesto Nuts, Smith is hitting .258 with 11 XBH and 7 SB. While Seattle’s 2023 draft was highlighted by three top 30 picks, Smith could be a middle round steal.