MLB Rookie Profile: Boog Powell, OF, Seattle Mariners

On April 30th the Seattle Mariners promoted outfield prospect Boog Powell to the major league roster. Here’s a quick profile on his background and what to expect for the future.

Herschel Mack “Boog” Powell was born January 14th, 1993 in Irvine, California. He attended Orange Coast Community College where he had an excellent season in 2012, hitting .398/.432/.435 and was drafted in the 20th round by the Oakland Athletics. He drew positive attention in 2014 when he hit .343/.451/.435 in A-ball, but also earned negative attention when he was suspended 50 games for amphetamine use. Subsequently traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, he hit .295/.385/.392 in Double-A and Triple-A in 2015, then was traded to the Mariners in the Brad Miller/Logan Morrison deal.

In 2016 he hit .270/.326/.359 in Triple-A but was limited to 64 games by another suspension, this time 80 games for PED use. He was hitting .261/.424/.326 in 16 game for Triple-A Tacoma before his promotion this year. He rated as a Grade C prospect pre-season and did not earn a spot on the Mariners Top 20 prospects list.

Powell is a left-handed hitter and thrower listed at 5-10, 185. His best tool is 60-grade running speed. His arm is average but accurate and he can play all three outfield positions with a high level of skill. As a hitter he shows a good batting eye and will take a walk, but he’s never shown much power, PED use or not.

The lack of power doesn’t seem likely to change, but his speed, glove and ability to take a walk could make him useful on the bench.