The Mariners system hit on all (or most) cylinders in 2023. Cole Young and Harry Ford have developed into two of the best prospects in the game. If you believe Ford is the better prospect and should be #1 overall, it would be tough to argue against you. I ultimately went with Young, more because Ford is still projected as a catcher.
The Mariners also did very well in the 2023 MLB Draft when they drafted three excellent high school players. They grabbed Colt Emerson with the #22 pick and then went with two high-upside high school players, Johnny Farmelo and Taj Peete, with picks 29 and 30. Emerson got off to a blistering start and might move more quickly through the minor leagues than I initially thought.
The Mariners appear on the doorstep of a nice playoff window. They’ve got a young and talented Major League team and plenty of depth in their minor league system. The Baseball GM book states in the opening paragraph – That’s how you do it.
Prospect Snapshot
- Top Prospect: Cole Young
- Biggest Mover: Tyler Locklear
- Biggest Disappointment: Emerson Hancock
- Emerging Prospect: Felnin Celesten
