First Round (No. 22 Overall): Colt Emerson, SS, Glenn High School (OH)
One of the younger players in this draft class, Emerson does not turn 18 years old until July 20. He was the starting third baseman on the U18 National Team last summer and hit .360/.515/.520 for a squad that won the gold medal. The 6’1″, 195-pound infielder has one of the best hit tools among this year’s high school class, with an all-fields approach and the potential to develop into at least a 20-homer threat at the next level. He was also an All-State wide receiver in football during his junior year and that athleticism translates to the baseball field.
Grade: A
There was a lot of talk of the Mariners taking a college player with the No. 22 pick and swinging for the fences with prep talent at No. 29 and No. 30 overall, but after an early run on college hitters they wisely turned their attention to the high school class. Nice move to replace some of the middle infield talent they parted with last summer.
Prospect Incentive Pick (No. 29 Overall): Jonny Farmelo, OF, Westfield High School (VA)
A line-drive hitter with plus speed, Farmelo is one of the best athletes in the 2023 class. He doesn’t show a ton of present power, but he has the bat speed, swing path and strong 6’2″, 205-pound frame to eventually develop into a solid power hitter. He played some shortstop in high school, but center field is his future home defensively, and his wheels serve him well in the outfield where he has great range and instincts. A strong commitment to the University of Virginia by the in-state product is expected to make him one of the tougher players to sign in this class.
Grade: A
One of the highest ceilings among the remaining high school bats is a great selection for the Mariners with their second pick. He could quickly join Harry Ford and Cole Young as top-tier bats in their system.
Balance Round A (No. 30 Overall): Tai Peete, SS, Trinity Christian School (GA)
Peete was one of the standouts at this year’s MLB Draft Combine, showcasing elite bat speed and plus raw power from the left side of the plate. He has a pull-heavy approach and needs to prove he can consistently square up elite-level pitching, but the raw tools are tantalizing. The 6’2″, 193-pound shortstop was also an intriguing pitching prospect with a mid-90s fastball and the makings of a terrific changeup, but he suffered an arm injury last summer and didn’t pitch at all this spring. He is one of the more significant boom-or-bust prospects in the 2023 class.
Grade: B-
Not going with at least one pitcher or at least one college player is a bold approach to these three picks by the Mariners. Peete had late helium, but this still might be a bit of a reach given his wide range of potential outcomes.
Second Round (No. 57 Overall): Ben Williamson, 3B, William & Mary
Williamson took a massive step forward in his senior year at William & Mary, hitting .391/.513/.662 with 11 doubles, 12 home runs, 49 RBI and more walks (40) than strikeouts (22) while raising his OPS more than 300 points relative to his junior year. The 6’0″, 180-pound infielder is also a strong defensive third baseman, and he stands out as one of the best seniors in this draft class. The 22-year-old should be able to jump over rookie ball.
Grade: C
The Mariners were almost certainly going to have to take a senior sign with this pick in order to make the bonus money work on their first three selections, and Williamson fits the bill.
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