Despite the signing of second baseman Robinson Cano to a 10-year deal, the near future does not look terribly good for the Seattle Mariners. Most pundits would put them at between a 70 and 75 win year, with only the lowly Houston Astros behind them in the American League West. Texas looks to be the face of the division, while Oakland and the Los Angeles Angels have strong playoff hopes.
The Mariners future lies in the players yet to come. While not winning a division title since 2001 is not a selling point for the fans, it has allowed Seattle to stock up on some great prospects. Some turned out well (Felix Hernandez, Adam Jones) some not so much (Matt Tuiasosopo, Jeff Clement, Phillippe Aumont), but that latest crop looks to be exactly what the Mariners are looking for.
Prospect Number One: D.J. Peterson, 3B, Will Likely Start the Season at Single-A
The Mariners first-round pick in the 2013 draft, Peterson is a devastating hitter when he makes contact, and he tends to make contact a lot. He hammered seven home runs in just 26 games in Single-A last year, hitting for a .303 average between A and Lower-A ball. His strikeout rate jumped somewhat, but his mammoth power potential and good line drive power should translate extremely well. His defense is a concern (5 errors in 21 games at Single-A), and a transition to either first base or the outfield might be in order. Expect him to make an impact in a Seattle uniform starting in late 2015.
Prospect Number Two: Luiz Gohara, LHP, Will Likely Start the Season at Lower-A
Gohara made a splash in Rookie League last season, winning his first start at just 16 years old. As he gets older and adds muscle to his frame, the 6’3 native of Brazil will only get better. While he had a small sample size last year, he did strikeout 27 in just 21 innings. He does need to work on his control, as he gave up nine walks as well. His future is uncertain, as he is fairly low in the Seattle system, but has the tools and the potential to be a top flight starter in 2017.
Prospect Number Three: Gabriel Guerrero, OF, Will Likely Start the Season at Single-A
Guerrero is a wild-card, a prospect with electric athleticism who just needs to put it all together. He hit .271 in Lower-A ball last season, but watched his OPS drop from .910 in 2012 to just .661 in 2013. He also struck out 113 times in 125 games, drawing only 21 walks. Guerrero has great speed, a howitzer attached to his right arm, and if he learns how to be more patient at the plate could be a top of the order speed and defensive threat. If he can learn to manage the plate, he will contribute to the Mariners lineup in late 2016.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
