With Felix Hernandez signed to a long-term deal, the Seattle Mariners have what most Major League teams lack – a premium ace who is one of the most dominant starters in the game. As Opening Day approaches, the club also has enviable rotation depth at the big league and minor league levels.
Though the Opening Day rotation appears set with Hernandez, Hisashi Iwakuma, Joe Saunders, Blake Beaven and either Erasmo Ramirez or veteran non-roster invitee Jon Garland, Seattle can dip into its farm system if needed during the regular season. On the farm, the Mariners have highly regarded pitching prospects Taijuan Walker, Danny Hultzen, James Paxton and Brandon Maurer.
Walker, Hultzen and Paxton are well-known among baseball enthusiasts who follow the minor leagues. Walker (2010) and Hultzen (2011) are first round draft picks while Paxton (2010) was selected in the fourth round. All three are on every major baseball media outlet’s top 100 prospects lists, and some publications even include Walker and Hultzen among the 10 best prospects. Maurer is the exception.
A 23rd round (702nd overall) pick out of high school in 2008, Maurer is the most polished of the Mariners’ four top pitching prospects, according to Hernandez. The 6-foot-5, 215-pound right-hander has a plus fast ball and is projected to open the 2013 campaign at Triple-A Tacoma. In two appearances covering three innings this spring, Maurer has not allowed a run.
With their off-season additions accompanied by a respectable rotation, the Mariners expect to be significantly improved. With Hernandez on board long term – and names like Walker, Hultzen, Paxton and Maurer about Major League ready – the future looks favorable in Seattle as well.
