Minor League Baseball

Here's Who Seattle Mariners Could Target in MLB Draft, According to Analyst

MLB.com's prospect guru Jonathan Mayo went on Seattle Sports 710 on Thursday to discuss potential draft targets for the Mariners.
Teren Kowatsch|
LSU pitcher Kade Anderson throws during an NCAA Super Regional game against West Virginia on June 7 at Alex Box Stadium.
LSU pitcher Kade Anderson throws during an NCAA Super Regional game against West Virginia on June 7 at Alex Box Stadium. | SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

In this story:

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners will have a lot of different directions they can go with the No. 3 pick in the 2025 MLB Draft next month. And there doesn't seem to be any clear consensus on which player the Mariners are favoring.

Mock drafts in recent weeks from various publications have Seattle drafting Oregon State shortstop Aiva Arquette, LSU pitcher Kade Anderson, Florida State pitcher Jamie Arnold or top prep prospect Ethan Holliday.

MLB.com analyst and prospect guru Jonathan Mayo made an appearance on Seattle Sports 710's Extra Innings show on Thursday, and he talked in detail about several prospects the Mariners might choose with the No. 3 pick.

Here's what Mayo said about Anderson on the show. The quotes were excerpted in an article written by Zac Hereth for Seattle Sports:

"It’s a combination of delivery and stuff and feel for pitching. The stuff has ticked up. I think there’s more confidence in his ability to start than just about any other college arm in the class. I mean, Jamie Arnold from Florida State is right up there too. He’s probably also in the Mariners’ mix."

Mayo also discussed Arquette and the possibility of a position change due to his 6-foot-5 frame:

"I live in Pittsburgh, so I saw Oneil Cruz (who is 6-foot-7) play shortstop. So never say never. I think there’s a chance. I don’t think it’s a slam dunk. His defense has gotten better, but I don’t know that it’s a guarantee.
"I think you send him out as a shortstop, and what you hope for is that there’s somebody better at the big league level or wherever he is to move him off (to another position). If you’re choosing between him and Cole Young, I’d probably have Cole Young play shortstop."

Holliday is considered the best high school prospect in this year's draft, and some publications have the Oklahoman going No. 1 to the Washington Nationals. Mayo was on board with that line of thought.

"If I were to do a final mock right now without any inside information, it would probably be him (at No. 1 overall). Just the combination of power potential, overall offensive upside (and) he’s a good athlete. He probably plays third base. He’s definitely not a shortstop at the next level."

Seattle is guaranteed to get a premium prospect whichever way it goes. And with the team's recent history of solid drafts, there's a good chance that player ends up becoming a top prospect sooner rather than later.

Related Minor League Baseball stories

HERE'S HOW JURRANGELO CIJNTJE LOOKED LIKE IN FIRST START BACK FROM INJURY: Seattle's 2024 first-round draft pick had a strong, although abbreviated, showing in his first start since May 11. CLICK HERE

LOGAN GILBERT IMPRESSES IN LATEST REHAB START: The 2024 All-Star had his best outing with the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers as he continues to work his way back from a flexor strain. CLICK HERE

PAIR OF MARINERS PROSPECTS EARN WEEKLY HONORS: Mariners minor league pitcher Ryan Hawks and position player Carter Dorighi earned respective Northwest League and California League honors Monday. CLICK HERE

Follow Minor League Baseball On SI on social media

You can also follow Teren Kowatsch on social media on Twitter @Teren_Kowatsch.

Published | Modified
Teren Kowatsch
TEREN KOWATSCH

Teren Kowatsch is a staff writer for ''Minor League Baseball on SI'' and other "On SI'' baseball sites. He has been a writer for “On SI’’ for two years and is a graduate of the University of Idaho. You can follow him on Twitter @Teren_Kowatsch

Home/MLB DRAFT