Top 10 prospects in Mariners’ farm system

Outfielder Alex Jackson

(Bats right, throws right, 6 feet 2, 215 pounds, age 19, first-round pick in 2014). Generally viewed last year as the nation’s top high school player, he validated those views when selected by Baseball America as the top prospect in the Arizona Rookie League. A catcher who shifted to the outfield to accelerate his timetable, Jackson is a good bet to open the season at Lo-A Clinton.

Third/first baseman D.J. Peterson

(R-R, 6-1, 190, 23, first round in 2013.) A right-handed power bat who didn’t disappoint last year in his first full pro season when he batted .297 with 31 homers and 111 RBI in 123 games at Hi-A High Desert and Double-A Jackson. Received an invitation to big-league camp but likely to start in the minors.

Shortstop Ketel Marte

(S-R, 6-1, 180, 21, signed in 2010 as non-drafted free agent/Dominican Republic). A slick-fielding (though somewhat erratic) shortstop who closed last season at Triple-A Tacoma. Received an invite to big-league camp but will likely return to Tacoma. He could be a serious roster candidate in 2016.

Outfielder Gabby Guerrero

(R-R, 6-3, 190, 21, signed in 2011 as non-drafted free agent/Dominican Republic). Reminds scouts of his uncle, former MVP Vladimir Guerrero, in the way he attacks pitches in and out of the strike zone. Some rough edges still apparent but must now prove himself at high levels.

Outfielder Austin Wilson

(R-R, 6-4, 210, 23, second round in 2013). He oozes potential when healthy but … he’s had trouble staying healthy. Wilson battled Achilles’ tendon and elbow problems a year ago but had a .517 slugging percentage in 75 games at lower levels. Could make a big jump this season if he avoids injuries.

Right-handed pitcher Edwin Diaz

R-R, 6-2, 178, 20, third round in 2012). Still slender but no longer rail thin, Diaz flashes three usable pitches and draws raves from some scouts as the organization’s best minor-league arm. Just 20, he faces a real test this season since he’ll likely start at Hi-A Bakersfield in the hitter-friendly California League.

Utilityman Pat Kivlehan

(R-R, 6-2, 210, 25, fourth round in 2012). See story (right).

Left-handed pitcher Luiz Gohara

(L-L, 6-3, 210, 18, signed in 2012 as non-drafted free agent/Brazil). Got pummeled last season at Short-A Everett (0-6 with an 8.20 ERA in 11 starts), so it will be interesting to see how he bounces back. Still, there’s a lot to like: He’s just 18, can pitch in the mid-90s and shows a promising breaking ball and changeup.

Catcher Tyler Marlette

(R-R, 5-11, 195, 22, fifth round in 2011). Farm director Chris Gwynn calls him “an offensive catcher who is learning how to catch. He’s held his own everywhere he’s been as far as hitting.” Got an invitation to big-league camp but likely to start the season at Jackson.

Right-handed pitcher Carson Smith

(R-R, 6-6, 215, 25, eighth round in 2011). It’s easy to argue he should be higher on this list after watching him dominate big-league hitters last year as a September call-up. His sidearm motion makes him particularly tough on right-handed batters. Unless he regresses this spring, look for him on the big-league roster.

Watch list

(alphabetical order)

Outfielder Austin Cousino draws high marks for speed and defensive skills and could make a big move if he reins in his free-swinging approach; outfielder Brayan Hernandez was viewed last year as one of the top international prospects but battled shoulder problems and might remain this year at the club’s Venezuelan academy. … catcher John Hicks already has the catch-and-throw skills to play in the majors; left-hander Danny Hultzen, the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, could be the organization’s best pitching prospect if he rebounds completely from major shoulder surgery; first baseman/designated hitter Jordy Lara must show he can repeat last year’s breakthrough, when he came out of nowhere and joined Peterson as the system’s co-player of the year; outfielder Gareth Morgan, an oversign last year as a second-round pick, faces a key year after showing little in the Arizona Rookie League; outfielder Tyler O’Neill, another converted catcher, shows pop and could be poised for a breakout after holding his own last year as a 18/19-year-old in Lo-A Midwest League; right-handed pitcher Victor Sanchez is a linebacker-type who probably gets too little credit for going 7-6 with a 4.19 ERA in 23 starts last year at Jackson after making a two-step jump as a 19-year-old; and left-handed pitcher Ryan Yarbrough, tall and slender at 6-6 and 210 pounds, showed unexpected zip while posting a 1.27 ERA last year over 14 games in his pro debut at Short-A Everett and Rookie Pulaski.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

X
Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for March 8-17

The Athlete of the Week nominees for March 8-17. Voting closes at… Continue reading

X
Silvertips’ playoff picture coming together as season hits final week

Everett is officially the Western Conference’s No. 3 seed and is likely heading into a matchup with Kelowna or Vancouver.

X
Prep roundup for Monday, March 18

Prep roundup for Monday, March 18: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Los Angeles Rams offensive guard Tremayne Anchrum (72) against the Denver Broncos during the second half of an NFL preseason football game, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)
Seahawks add to position of need, sign guard Tremayne Anchrum Jr.

The 25-year-old has played in 31 games, starting once, since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

Everett Community College head coach Chet Hovde watches as the women's team practices on Tuesday, March 7, 2017 in Everett, Wa. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
EvCC coach Chet Hovde, who ‘lived for’ basketball, dies at 77

Coach Hovde graduated from Everett High School in 1965. He spent 33 years as the women’s basketball coach at the community college.

Jackson’s Ian Friedrichsen celebrates his goal with his teammates during the game against Bothell on Thursday, May 11, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys soccer: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines for this high school boys soccer season

Jackson’s Rachel Sysum is hugged by Leneyah Mitchell after hitting a home run during the game against Bothell on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep softball: 5 things to watch for the 2024 season in Snohomish County

A look at the top local storylines to keep an eye on this high school softball season.

X
Prep roundup for Friday, March 15

Prep roundup for Friday, March 15: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

Glacier Peak’s Samantha Christensen runs to home plate to celebrate her home run with her teammates during the game against Snohomish on Friday, March 15, 2024 in Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
GALLERY: Glacier Peak softball tops rival Snohomish

The Grizzlies prevail 9-5 in a clash of area powers.

X
Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14

Prep roundup for Thursday, March 14: (Note for coaches/scorekeepers: To report results… Continue reading

The Washington Wolfpack logo is revealed during the Everett AFL team unveiling at Tony V's Garage in Everett, Washington onThursday, Oct. 26, 2023. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
Everett’s new arena football team to have 4 televised games

The NFL Network will broadcast 30 AFL games this season, including two Wolfpack home games.

Washington coach Mike Hopkins yells to the team during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against California, Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, in Seattle. California won 82-80. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Looking back at Mike Hopkins’ turbulent tenure as UW men’s basketball coach

The departing Huskies coach had highs early, but the good times didn’t last long.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.