Seattle Mariners: Four Moves to Make the Playoffs
By Jason Reed
3. Call up Tyler O’Neill
Tyler O’Neill is the Mariners’ second-ranked prospect and 60th-ranked prospect in all of baseball according to MLB Pipeline. The outfielder, who was drafted in the third round of the 2013 draft, has put up good numbers and may see himself in Seattle this season. Now, I am not saying he should start the season at the MLB level. Despite his readiness, the Mariners should start O’Neill in AAA, only to call him up down the stretch.
O’Neill’s transition to AA ball last year was very promising for the Seattle Mariners. O’Neill produced a .293/.374/.508 slash line with 24 home runs, 102 runs batted in, all in 130 games. These numbers are fantastic for a guy that many thought wasn’t ready for the transition to AA. At 21 years old, O’Neill is very young, and it has been noted that the Mariners may want to take their time developing him. However, if they find themselves in the midst of a run for the postseason, O’Neill may be that last catalyst to ignite a fire beneath them.
The thing about the Mariners outfield is that it’s not very good. There isn’t anyone in particular blocking him at the big league level, and while Seattle may sign an outfielder (hold on to that) there would still be room for another bat. Outside of Leonys Martin, who is a decent fielder, the Mariners also don’t have good defense in the outfield. O’Neill provides above average fielding and arm power, and that young bat that could jolt the lineup. While he may not be in Seattle in April, expect to see him as summer closes and fall opens.