After a few trades and strong drafting in 2015, the Mariners' farm system is in better shape than it was a year ago.
Homegrown talent headlines the list of the Mariners' Top 30 prospects for 2016, with 25 players coming from either the Draft or the international ranks, including 14 of the top 15.
• Mariners' 2016 Top 30 Prospects list
Four of the six players expected to contribute in 2016 are relievers, a group that includes right-hander Tony Zych, who made a strong impression last year as a September callup, and left-hander Paul Fry, the organization's Minor League reliever of the year in 2015.
Team Top 30 Prospects lists
More impactful talent should arrive in 2017, both on the mound and at the plate. Outfielder Tyler O'Neill, who tied for second in the Minors last year with 32 homers, has the makings of a middle-of-the-order slugger with his huge right-handed raw power, while right-hander Edwin Diaz, the organization's top pitching prospect for a second straight year, could develop into a No. 3 starter.
If all goes as hoped, the subsequent years will reflect the strength of Seattle's 2014-15 Drafts, with Alex Jackson, the club's No. 1 prospect for a second straight year, right-hander Nick Neidert and up-the-middle talents Drew Jackson and Braden Bishop all likely to debut at some point in '18 or '19, if not sooner.
Biggest jump/fall
Here are the players whose ranks changed the most from the 2015 preseason list to the 2016 preseason list.
Jump: Luis Liberato (2015: NR | 2016: 15)
Fall: Tyler Marlette (2015: 9 | 2016: NR)
Best tools
Players are graded on a 20-80 scouting scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.
Top 10 Farm Systems
Hit: Boog Powell (55)
Power: Tyler O'Neill (60)
Run: Braden Bishop (65)
Arm: Drew Jackson (70)
Defense: Rayder Ascanio (65)
Fastball: Edwin Diaz (65)
Curveball: Cody Mobley (60)
Slider: Tony Zych (55)
Changeup: Andrew Moore (55)
Control: Moore (60)
How they were built
Draft: 18
International: 7
Trade: 5
Breakdown by ETA
2016: 6
2017: 6
2018: 9
2019: 8
2020: 1
Breakdown by position
C: 0
1B: 0
2B: 0
3B: 1
SS: 5
OF: 8
RHP: 11
LHP: 5