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Seattle Mariners Top 10 Prospects For 2017

By Benjamin Chase

Aug 18, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Seattle Mariners ball cap and glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeat the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of a Seattle Mariners ball cap and glove during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Mariners defeat the Rangers 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West outfielder Tyler O Neilll of the Seattle Mariners during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Surprise, AZ, USA; West outfielder Tyler O Neilll of the Seattle Mariners during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Tyler O’Neill, OF

Birthdate: 6/22/95 (21 years old)
Level(s) Played in 2016: AA
Stats in 2016: .293/.374/.508, 24 HR, 12 SB

O’Neill has been a guy who has caught the eye of many since being drafted in the 3rd round in 2013 as one of the youngest high schoolers in that year’s draft. Until mid-season 2015, though, that notice was more along the lines of MiLB.com’s Tyler Maun’s unnatural obsession with O’Neill’s muscular arms.

Then he broke out in a big way the second half of 2015, and he only built on that in 2016 to be the MVP of the entire Southern League with 26 doubles and 4 triples to go along with his 24 home runs.

O’Neill has incredible bat speed, which causes the ball to absolutely explode off of his bat. He’s able to work with pitches to take them all over the field as well, not just limiting himself to pull power.

While O’Neill does have solid pitch recognition and can take a walk, he does tend to be fairly aggressive in his at bats, which leads to a high strikeout rate, and his swing, while powerful, does open up some at the end and allow him to be susceptible to hard breaking stuff or late movement.

O’Neill fits the traditional right field profile with his plus power and a plus arm. He is a better athlete than one might imagine based on his initial take-off speed, as he does have solid speed once at full pace.

He’ll likely open 2017 with the AAA club and should move soon to cement himself in right field and the heart of the Mariners lineup for many years to come.

Next: Newcomer To Watch

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