Seattle Mariners Organization Discussion
by John Sickels on Jan 9, 2026 12:27 PM EST
33 comments
I am now working on the Florida Marlins. The next team on the list is the Seattle Mariners, followed by the Houston Astros.
Use this thread to discuss the Mariners system.
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Don't underrate this system...
…there are a few very good players in it.
Obvious names like Ackley aside (and don’t write off Triunfel after one injury-erased season), I like guys such as Pineda, Robles, and Raben. Pay close attention to Hill and Seager…
Visiting Mariners' fan
by KingCorran on Jan 9, 2026 1:27 PM EST reply actions
The names.
Ackley of course. The move to second base over center field should not compromise his value.
Triunfel is still talented. One year loss of development DOES hurt, however. It may not mean anything in the long run, but it is worthy of pause. His weight is also an issue, though he has resolved to slim down with a much more mature attitude. I think he’s growing up more than growing out now.
I like Pineda, but I understand the caution of an injury season.
Robles needs to find his control. That’s basically it.
Raben lost a season due to a rather nasty injury for a hitter. Before this he was slated to be at least an average corner defender with a solid power bat and a patient, advanced approach. Now he’s probably a first baseman / DH and we’ll have to see how his back fares with his power stroke.
Nick Hill is an interesting arm. He’s probably better as a left handed reliever long term, but he could start. He has a decent ability to get both handed batters out, so he COULD start, but wouldn’t be much more effective than a 4th starter, probably.
Kyle Seager has talent, but absolutely must develop some power. He’s patient and disciplined, but looks like he’ll be a .300 / .380 / .375 type hitter if he doesn’t find a way to start driving the ball.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 9, 2026 6:24 PM EST up reply actions
Robles and Raben
Needs more than just finding his control…he needs to find a third pitch.
Raben’s just a meh prospect. His injuries limit him to first, and doesn’t control the strike zone. Every system has guys like him in it.
by Paul5418 on Jan 9, 2026 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
RE Raben:
17.3% walk rate in his only action thus far. He’s got a decent feel for the strike zone, I’d say. His whiffs mean his contact rate sucks and he has legit power. Then again, what do we know? He’s not been given enough time to showcase his skills.
The injuries don’t help.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 10, 2026 12:35 AM EST up reply actions
He definitely has a great eye. Swing is long so he could be a TTO prospect
Jack Cust isn’t a bad comp for him offensively, though Raben was a passable outfielder before the injury and should handle 1B just fine going forward.
I don’t know of any cases of baseball players coming back from microfracture surgery in the knee.
by JonBBT on Jan 10, 2026 12:55 AM EST up reply actions
Has any other system had this much turnover in the last 15 months?
Jack Z seems intent on scrubbing the organization and bringing in his own guys. Which is good, since he has the eye for talent, but it makes it harder for fans who don’t watch the minors with a microscope to keep track of who has a future with the club.
by AnotherAaron on Jan 9, 2026 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Which is why I'd be more interested in reading about this past year's draftees.
Although Zduriencik has been a hit with the SABRE-types, he himself actually comes from a scouting background, and was responsible for much of Milwaukee’s talent today (Braun, Fielder, Weeks, Hardy, etc). This year’s draftees are “his” guys, so I’d be interested to read about guys like Poythress, James Jones, Nick Franklin, and Brian Moran, amongst others. They probably profile as more C/C+ types at this point, though.
It’s been crazy- Morrow, Aumont, Clement, all traded, and he was apparently close to including Saunders in the Halladay/Lee transactions. He was also given a helping hand by other stupid GMs in getting rid of Yuni Betancourt, Jarrod Washburn, and Carlos Silva, and Kenji Johjima bounced on his own accord. I’d bet guys like Jose Lopez and Greg Halman are the next to be shown the door.
by mkries on Jan 9, 2026 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
James Jones really opened some eyes
He looks like a pretty good pick by the M’s. Since most teams scouted him only as a pitcher, they were reluctant to take him as a hitter. But he hit quite well in his debut with Everett .311/.392/.463, especially after making adjustments later in the season. He’s got to work on his swing but he has the tools to become quite good. Think a left handed Adam Jones type player.
I wouldn’t give up on Greg Halman so readily. Sure he had an awful year last year but there is still a lot of good tools there. He’s the type of player who could conceivably have a good comeback year and he’s still pretty young.
by Scrupio on Jan 9, 2026 4:22 PM EST up reply actions
Adam Jones, not so much.
He’s not that quick. He’s bigger. The lefty (young) Jermain Dye comps make some sense, I think. He can’t handle CF.
by JonBBT on Jan 10, 2026 4:55 AM EST up reply actions
A young Fred McGriff?
i heard that is a comp for Jones.
by Marinerfanjake on Jan 10, 2026 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
I really don't like major league player comps.
Just leave it at “interesting” for now. Saying “soanso is a young Fred McGriff” is pigeonholing someone’s talent. It may not even be accurate. I notice that a lot of young black athletes get compared to black athletes. How do we know he’s not a young Paul O’Neil?
Just throwing this out here.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 10, 2026 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Names.
Poythress was selected for his advanced bat and good power. He’s not much more than a first baseman / DH at this point, so everything has to come from the wood. Considering things, I think he did fine. He looks like a 3TO guy, tho.
James Jones is covered in the post above mine. I find him intriguing, but there’s a lot of unknowns about him. He’s risky, and I’m not sure what the reward is for a corner outfielder with a good arm.
Nick Franklin has had lots of comparative names thrown his way. JJ Hardy’s high school doppelganger is one. I’ve heard Reid Brignac’s name thrown around as a comp. The real problem is we haven’t seen much of what he can do. As a first round draftee, Jack Z and co have to really like what they saw in him. From most accounts, he is right now average across the board in all skills, which is not a bad short stop. Development, of course, is important for the 18 year old.
Brian Moran is a bullpen arm. Pretty good power lefty.
I wouldn’t put any of them higher than C+ at this point.
As for the losses, Morrow may never develop into what we wanted. Aumont almost certainly will remain a bullpen arm. Clement not being a catcher killed his value. Of these, Morrow’s move was the most confusing because it seemed to be selling low to us. Then again, we really don’t know what the Mariners think of him. Aumont got us Cliff Lee. I’m fine with that.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 9, 2026 6:33 PM EST up reply actions
Moran
Lefty…doesn’t have power stuff. Saw him at the CWS and he topped out at 88. And that was in relief.
by Paul5418 on Jan 9, 2026 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
interested in...
Outside of Ackley, Saunders, and Triunfel…I’m not sure how great the system is. But, that being said, I do agree it’s probably better than most people give it credit for.
I’m interested in seeing where Greg Halman fits into the mix. He looked so good in high A but has looked abysmal in AA.
I’m interested in whether Adam Moore is the real deal at catcher or if he’s Jeff Clement Part II. I’m wondering how John will rank Dennis Raben given his lack of pro data. If Tuiasosopo can still be called a prospect, I wonder where he fits in given his eratic performances. Will Mangini make the list given his less than spectacular play at AA? And how high will Peguero be on the list given his immense power but lack of plate discipline?
As for pitchers, Pineda has to be near the top of the list given his Ks and age. Then probably Nick Hill after he turned things around last year.
by Aslan on Jan 9, 2026 3:03 PM EST reply actions
What is so great about Pineda again?
Plus velocity? No.
Plus stuff? No.
A breaking ball that’s at least average? No.
Elbow injury? Yes.
Pitched less than 45 innings this year? Yes.
He’s a fastbal/ changeup control guy who dominated low minors batters by hitting his spots. I would like to have him in my system, but the upside here isnt all that great. Ill give him some leeway as Ive heard a few promising reports on his velocity and might buy some projection there. He’s really not any kind of top prospect and wouldnt receive all that much notice in another system… I liked Juan Ramirez considerably more. Pineda is a lot closer to a pitchability back end guy than people seem to think around here.
As for Raben, I feel like John is going to hate him. Back is a huge downgrade for him, and it wasnt like he was a slam dunk prospect before that.
by alskor on Jan 9, 2026 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
He has a low 90s FB and a good slider
he’s very young and has a good build. The injury is a concern, but a 20 year old who can hit his spots and can touch the mid 90s is nothing to sneeze at.
De Gutibus non disputandum est
by Bearskin Rugburn on Jan 9, 2026 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
From what I heard it's the change that is good.
Slider inconsistent. He’s a sidearmer so it frisbees at times.
Command is great, fastball is low-90s with movement and gets grounders.
Don’t like the elbow injury, obviously . They kept messing with his delivery until he broke. High elbow, whippy arm action.
by JonBBT on Jan 9, 2026 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Command is a useful skill.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 9, 2026 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Command, Projection, Youth
Has plus command and some reports as plus plus.
Still has projection. Reports have him operating in the low 90’s consistently whereas last year he was 88-92
Young for his level…probably start in AA at 21
by Paul5418 on Jan 9, 2026 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
I'll probably just sit back and answer questions in this thread.
The team has changed a ton lately, and I am interested in everybody else’s thoughts.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 9, 2026 6:18 PM EST reply actions
Here's guys I would consider for top 25. Not in exact order
Dustin Ackley, CF/2B - infield transition could slow him down a bit
Carlos Triunfel, INF - More advanced than people think. Hasn’t missed a beat as far as I can tell. Gained some weight, but it’s coming off quick.
Michael Saunders, OF - Like him better as a CF prospect, but won’t get that shot in Seattle
Adam Moore, C - All around very solid. Love the swing.
Rich Poythress, 1B/DH - Walk rates are great. Power should be there. Contact rates TBD
Matt Tuiasosopo, 3B - Somewhat underrated, I think. I bet there is more power there.
Julio Morban, OF - He’s gonna hit, hit, hit.
Gabriel Noriega, SS - Good defender, swings (switch hitter) need refinement, but there should be some power there.
Nick Franklin, SS - Nothing stands out, but he should be solid all around.
Dan Cortes, RHSP - Power arm, curve gets nice reviews typically. Control a problem. Turned it on down the stretch.
Michael Pineda, RHSP - Command, good enough fastball and change. Elbow injury worrisome.
Guillermo Pimental, OF - Advanced approach, pitch reco, good swing, tons of raw power.
Joshua Fields, RHRP
Shawn Kelley, RHRP
James Jones, RF - Swing needs refinement, but every else looks good for now. Tools + good approach
Mauricio Robles, LHSP - Good, but short and stubby. I like him now, but maybe not long term.
Greg Halman, OF - Didn’t progress last season. Tools still there, obviously.
Yohermyn Chavez, COF - Jose Guillen on steroids?
Mario Martinez, 3B - Average or better physical tools across the board. Good makeup. Yet to translate.
Ezequiel Carrera, OF - 4th outfielder with a small shot to start if it’s in CF. No power, and probably not fast enough to overcome that.
Mike Carp, 1B - Love the swing and approach, but lack of power and poor defense won’t help him be a starter.
Dennis Raben, 1B/OF - Knee injury is scary. Hopefully he can bounce back.
Jharmidy De Jesus, 1B/3B - Didn’t progress in 09. Tools still there.
Steve Hensley, RHSP - So far so good.
Maikel Cleto, RHSP - Raw and 09 was a wash, but I like him long term.
Nick Hill, LHP - As a starter he’d rate better, but he’ll be a reliever sooner than later
Steve Baron, C - Great D, offense will take a while.
Alex Liddi, 3B/1B - He’ll be on top 10 lists, but I don’t believe in him…. at all.
by JonBBT on Jan 9, 2026 6:28 PM EST reply actions
That's a good list.
I’m not too sure about Hensley.
I caution people not to overrate Erasmo Ramirez, but he’s interesting enough to be included.
Kenta Suda has a long way to go, but is a solid C prospect.
Andrew Carraway (2009 draftee) had a solid season walking only 9 batters and striking out 70 in 64.2IP.
Scott Savastano appears to have a solid contact bat and patience, but low power. I’ll let the world decide if tools galore guys like Denny Almonte and Danny Carroll are worth considering. Also Ricky Orta might be mostly done and Anthony Varvarro is pretty much a bullpen arm after being a highly thought off college prospect (TJ surgery killed his value and he went late).
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 9, 2026 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
Erasmo - Great command, but fastball is mid 80s and secondary stuff isn’t any good. VSL stats don’t mean anything. And to boot he was listed at 19, which is old for that level (for a legit prospect) and it is widely believed that he is even older than that. He’s a prospect, but should be no where near top 30. Low upside.
Suda may be a prospect but he’s nowhere near among Seattle’s best pitching prospects. Not worth mentioning at all, in my opinion. Carraway doesn’t have great stuff. Good enough command to carve up the low minors. Be careful with low-minors pitching stats, especially with college ptichers.
Almonte would come in around 25-30 for me. He’s Seattle’s 9th best OF prospect, in my opinion, which is obviously not great. Orta and Varvaro are relievers only, but not as good as Fields and Kelley in my opinion.
by JonBBT on Jan 9, 2026 7:07 PM EST up reply actions
Wasn't Jose Guillen already on steroids?
Relive Royals History at royalsretro.blogspot.com
by RoyalsRetro on Jan 9, 2026 8:37 PM EST up reply actions
Touche
Jose Guillen + 4 inches and 30 lbs, then.
by JonBBT on Jan 9, 2026 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Back end guys to add
Efrain Nunez and Francisco Valvidia. Both may end up on the back end of any Mariner’s list because the depth is so shallow. Wouldn’t rate any guy above a C but they’ll be interesting to follow next year. My guess is that both start the year in Everett.
by Paul5418 on Jan 9, 2026 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
Nunez and Valdivia
I like Nunez, but he had a terrible USA debut. He’s definitely on the radar, though.
Valdivia barely threw at all in 2009. Back and hamstring problems. Very projectable, but hasn’t accomplished anything yet.
Neither guy is top 25 for me, but would be in the honorable mentions.
by JonBBT on Jan 9, 2026 10:08 PM EST up reply actions
Ok how about some guys to keep an eye on this year
Carlos Triunfel- How he does coming back from a lost year to a broken leg
Gregory Halman- A make or break year in my mind. Can he come back from a bad year?
James Jones- If he can continue on from where he began last year
Dennis Raben- Coming back from microfracture knee surgery
Steve Baron- How/if his bat develops
Josh Fields- If he’ll adjust and go back to being a dominant reliever
Alex Liddi- Whether last year was just a flash in the pan or he really developed
Anyone else have some players to add that you’ll keep a close watch on?
by Scrupio on Jan 10, 2026 2:08 AM EST reply actions
Rich Poythress.
His bat seems developed enough that he could jump to AAA and possibly the MLB within the 2010 season
I also like Hensley quite a bit as well.
You got slurved!
by Slurvey on Jan 10, 2026 2:28 AM EST up reply actions
Names to consider.........
Dustin Ackley, CF/2B – infield transition could slow him down a bit BUT the bat is real - ZIPs (which is ONE OF the most conservative projection systems for prospects) has him already as a .383 115 494 hitter with a 97 OPS+ -- A- Rating anyone ?
Carlos Triunfel, INF – More advanced than people think. Major area of concern are injuries & will hebe forced to 3B
Michael Saunders, OF – nothing left to prove in the minors but where does he play ?
Adam Moore, C – All around very solid. Solid enough to trade away Clement could be starting by mid 10
Rich Poythress, 1B/DH – Walk rates are great. Power will come — sample size is small
Matt Magini 2B/3B— gets lost in the INF mix but solid bat & D….AAA will determine if he is a 2B or utility guy….Some power too
Alex Liddi, 3B/1B – What does guy need to do ? .345 .411 .594 at launchpad but will have to prove its real at AA
Juan Diaz SS - under the radar guy but only 20 will be interested on John’s reading of that .311 BA in Cal league
Carlos Peguero OF— monster power but swings & swings (Halman bis?)
Luis Nunez 2B - nice debut in full season ball
Julio Morban, OF – He’s gonna hit, hit, hit.
Gabriel Noriega, SS – Good defender, swings (switch hitter) need refinement
Nick Franklin, SS – HIGH draft spot but lack data.
James Jones, RF – Swing needs refinement, but every else looks good for now. Tools + good approach
Steve Baron, C – Great D
Greg Halman, OF – Didn’t progress last season. Tools still there,as is the power but must learn to be more selective (biggest understate)
Yohermyn Chavez, COF – was loved in TOR but how good is he ?
Mario Martinez, 3B – Average or better physical tools across the board. Still a long way away
Ezequiel Carrera, OF – 4th outfielder with a small shot to start if it’s in CF.Utility guy ?
Mike Carp, 1B – Hmm ?
Dennis Raben, 1B/OF – Potential to be good but injury bug…
PITCHERS
Loss of Ramirez & Aumont really does affect the upper echelons
Dan Cortes, SP – Was a “stud” in KC but has issues & also is he is a SP or RP ?
Steve Hensley, SP – So far soo good.
Michael Pineda, SP – Command,+ good fastball and change. Possibly the top P prospect left
Mauricio Robles, RP – great season at Hi Desert future could be in the pen
Joshua Fields, RP - age to prove he was worth hold out & the money for now looks more of a C+ rather than a B- prospect
Enrique Orta RP - on the 40 man after break out season in AA — KEEPS the ball in the park,could help in 2010
Nick Hill, LHP – good season but 24 at AA — possible sleeper
Gaby Hernandez, SP - still only 23 had a rough 09 in AAA looks like an “innings eater” who may bloom into a solid 3/4
Maikel Cleto,SP – Raw but has an arm.
Edward Paredes RP — stuff is better than the results & young enough to help pen in 2010
by frenchredsox on Jan 10, 2026 8:17 AM EST reply actions
Hmm.
I’d probably not bother considering Matt Magini anymore. He really hasn’t figured out how to hit with a wood bat. His 2009 wasn’t bad, but not at all what we were expecting. At 23, he doesn’t have a lot of time to develop into a top prospect. He’s probably filler at this point.
Edward Paredes and Gaby Hernandez are both not really worth considering either. Depressing as it just shows how lacking we are in pitching talent right now.
Fans are typically idiots.
by The Typical Idiot Fan on Jan 10, 2026 6:59 PM EST up reply actions
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