Under the Radar Prospects: Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects

The Mariners are the subjects of this week’s installment of Under the Radar Prospects, in which five players from a team’s system are selected as players to keep an eye on. Among the five players this week are four pitchers delivering excellent results and a slugging first baseman that has soared quickly to the big leagues.

Tyler Gough, RHP - Seattle Mariners

Heading into the 2022 draft, Tyler Gough was considered among the top high school pitchers in the country, but dealt with an injury that caused him to slip down the draft board as well as a commitment to Oregon State. The Mariners took a chance in the 9th round and were able to entice Gough to sign. Gough made his professional debut at Single-A in 2023 and over 10 games — 9 starts — he compiled a 5.70 ERA | 5.60 FIP with a 18.0 K% & 11.3 BB% across 30 innings pitched.

Gough has turned a corner in 2024 though, showcasing the talent that made him one of the top amateur arms in the country. Repeating the year at Single-A, Gough has started 11 games compiling a 3.18 ERA | 3.64 FIP with a 24.0 K% & 10.0 BB% across 51 innings pitched. Gough’s arsenal is developing at a significant rate as his fastball has surged in velocity and couples it with a devastating split-changeup; Gough also has a curveball that could develop into an above average pitch at some point.

Brody Hopkins, RHP - Seattle Mariners

If Brody Hopkins had focused solely on hitting during his collegiate career, he perhaps could have been among the top selections of his draft class. However, he was a two-way player that performed decently, but scouts are enamored with his potential on the mound. At times, he flashes velocity in the upper 90’s and has a solid slider. The Mariners picked up Hopkins in the 6th round of the 2023 draft and stationed him in Single-A this season to start out his professional career.

Thus far over 10 starts, 22-year old Hopkins has compiled a 3.24 ERA | 4.21 FIP with a 25.7 K% & 12.0 BB% across 41 2/3 innings pitched. To go with his high velocity, Hopkins excels at inducing groundballs. He currently has a 67.0% groundball rate, 2nd most among all minor league pitchers with at least 40 innings pitched.

Tyler Locklear, 1B - Seattle Mariners

Since being selected in the 2nd round of the 2022 draft by the Mariners, Tyler Locklear has been among the top offensive performers in the organization and has surged through the team’s system. Thus far over his minor league career, Locklear is hitting .289/.398/.508 with 29 HR and a 142 wRC+ over 753 plate appearances. This past weekend, the Mariners rewarded 23-year old Locklear by promoting him to the big leagues.