The Seattle Mariners didn’t touch high school players for many years in the draft’s early rounds. The Dipoto regime looked for more established players who were ready now, rather than potentially have to develop a young player. That was until last year when the Mariners took Harry Ford, Edwin Arroyo and Michael Morales in the first three rounds of 2021.
The Mariners selected shortstop Cole Young out of North Allegheny High School this year. Young slashed .428/.554/.766 with 73 runs, 17 doubles, 9 triples, 11 home runs and 64 RBIs. Through four years of high school only struck out 24 times (15 his freshman year) and walked 53 times for the Tigers.
Though he’s committed to Duke University, he now has the ability to pass up on college ball and go pro. He will likely forego college in order to begin his professional career. According to MLB’s slot value system, Young’s signing bonus would be $3.2 million. The mock drafts had him landing in the 18-25 range, and the Mariners were prepared if he was taken before them.
What sticks out?
“This kid has raw power, but doesn’t sell out for it, he uses the whole field to his advantage.”
Scott Hunter, Mariners Director of Amateur Scouting
His hit tool sticks out the most, with 60 grade in the hit column. He’s also an above-average runner, capable of taking the extra base and being a threat on the basepaths for the Mariners and their farm teams.
With fellow Mariners, 18-year-old shortstop Edwin Arroyo producing better than the Scouts predicted, and the Mariners being locked up at Short for a long time with JP Crawford. Shortstop is a position the scouting department can take a flyer on.
“When we made this trip last year to visit Cole, it was an obvious choice,” Hunter said.
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