NEWSLETTER
The Seattle Mariners 1st Round Mock Draft: Exploring Potential Picks are set to make their first-round selection in the 2024 MLB Draft with the 15th overall pick.
Exploring Potential Fits for the Seattle Mariners in the 1st Round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
The Seattle Mariners own the 15th overall selection in next month’s MLB Draft, and The Athletic’s Keith Law has the M’s adding a college bat in Kentucky outfielder Ryan Waldschmidt in the middle of the first round.
“The Mariners would go for a high school hitter if the right one were here, but I think Rainer and Griffin are gone, and this might be high for Theo Gillen, and I don’t think they’re on Kellon Lindsey here.”
Waldschmidt’s skill set sets him apart from most players in this Draft due to his ability to consistently make contact, avoid chasing after pitches, and generate high exit velocities. His patient approach and quick right-handed stroke have improved since his first season with the Wildcats, now appearing less uphill. While he uses the entire field, he also demonstrates a preference for driving balls in the air to his pull side.
As Waldschmidt’s health has improved, so have his run times, progressing from fringy earlier in the season to solid with occasional flashes of excellence. The main criticism of Waldschmidt is his below-average performance as a left fielder, where he sometimes appears tentative. However, some evaluators question whether his quickness could make him a viable candidate for center field at the next level.
Law also mentions Theo Gillen as a possible selection for the Mariners at No. 15.
Gillen might possess the top hitting skills among all high school players in this Draft. He exhibits a disciplined approach, rapid hand speed, and a smooth left-handed swing that results in hitting line drives to all parts of the field. His strong hitting capability should enable him to tap into most of his impressive raw power, guaranteeing at least 20 home runs. He is expected to develop even more power as he gains additional strength for his physical 6-foot-2 frame.
Scouts have clocked Gillen’s running times anywhere from solid to well above average. He appears more energetic than he did last summer, especially now that his knee injury is more in the past. The Texas recruit displays better range to his left compared to his right while playing shortstop, though his arm has not fully recovered from labrum surgery and will necessitate a change in position at the next level. He could transition to an offensive second baseman, and his agility makes center field a potential option. At the very least, he should provide enough offense to fit in left field.
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo has the Mariners taking Flordia State third baseman Cam Smith here.
“Sophomore eligible had a rough freshman year, then hit well over the summer and continued hitting [into the college season]. The hit tool has been very impressive with more than enough power for the corner spot.”
Smith, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 220 pounds, possesses the physical strength needed for success. His hitting ability will impact his access to raw power, and he has shown improvement in this area since last summer. He struggled with his approach and quality at-bats during his freshman year but improved on the Cape, reducing his miss rate from 29 percent to 19 percent. Smith’s running ability has also improved, and he has the potential to be a standout third baseman with a strong arm. Replicating his performance from the Cape has boosted his standing among college players.
