Seattle Mariners: Top 10 Rookie-Eligible Prospects for 2018

SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 15: The Seattle Mariners moose mascot holds a sign after starting pitcher Felix Hernandez threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field on August 15, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - AUGUST 15: The Seattle Mariners moose mascot holds a sign after starting pitcher Felix Hernandez threw a perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field on August 15, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
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4. Braden Bishop, OF

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 8/22/1993 (24)
2017 teams/levels played for: high-A Modesto Nuts, AA Arkansas Travelers
2017 Stats: .306/.393/.413, 557 PA, 3 HR, 22 SB, 60/80 BB/K

Info: Bishop turned down the Atlanta Braves out of high school to attend the University of Washington, where the Seattle Mariners selected him in the 3rd round in 2015.

Bishop jumped immediately to short-season A-ball, where he hit .320 in his draft season with Everett. He jumped through the A-ball levels in his pro debut in 2016, hitting .273 with excellent defense, but struggles with his power stroke, slugging just .326 on the season.

Bishop has tremendous athleticism and works well in center field as a double-plus defender, and he has enough arm to handle any defensive spot

Bishop has tremendous athleticism and works well in center field as a double-plus defender, and he has enough arm to handle any defensive spot. Bishop has a good feel for the bat, able to make consistent contact, though he has not filled out well into his frame.

Bishop has a profile as a solid 4th outfielder at this point without any further development, but if he can find a hair more power, he could be a legitimate starting outfielder at the major league level.

After hitting for a .336 average and .417 OBP in 31 AA games, the Seattle Mariners could push Bishop up all the way to AAA this season, but it would also make sense for him to establish his power in AA before moving up to AAA.

Either way, he’s been a guy this spring who has been visible in his #4Mom campaign to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Please take a moment to read the story behind his efforts and consider giving as possible!

3. Sam Carlson, RHP

Birthday (age on opening day 2018): 12/3/1998 (19)
2017 teams/levels played for: Arizona Rookie League Mariners
2017 Stats: 2 G, 2 GS, 3 IP, 3.00 ERA, 1.33 WHIP, 0/3 BB/K

Info: One of the blessings and curses of cold weather baseball states is that they can produce some of the best talent that rarely gets seen. Carlson was a prime example in 2017.

Considered a strong performer after the summer showcase before his senior year, the Minnesota winter delayed the start of his prep season until many other prep players had well over a month of playing time in. Then Carlson took the hill and began wow-ing scouts with exceptional feel for his pitches and a bit more growth from the summer to a sturdy 6’4″ and nearly 200 pounds filling out the frame.

The Seattle Mariners counted themselves blessed to snag Carlson in the 2nd round and protected his arm with just 3 pro innings after a late start to his high school season, wanting to get time with their instructional team more than game time with Carlson in 2017.

When Carlson is on his best game, he has heavy weight on his mid-90s fastball with late movement and a good plane as he stays on top of his pitches. He also gets similar late break from his slider that gives hitters a similar look until the final break, leading to plenty of swing and miss.

What sets Carlson apart and could lead to him having an extremely bright future is his feel for his changeup, which is quite advanced for a high school draftee. He’ll likely show even more of the pitch this season, and it’s got the potential to be a plus to double-plus pitch.

Carlson should open his first full season in the Seattle Mariners system in extended spring, but with advanced feel and good control, the Mariners could push Carlson similar to the way the Atlanta Braves pushed Kolby Allard straight to low-A in 2016 with a similar low amount of pro innings in his draft season.

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