The Seattle Mariners used their fourth and final pick on day one of the 2026 MLB Draft to add UNC-Wilmington third baseman Trevor Lucas, a player they believe can help shore up a thin area in the system.
Lucas brings a profile that clearly appealed to the Mariners: real defensive value at the hot corner and enough offensive polish to make him more than just a glove-first pick. Scott Hunter compared him to Ben Williamson, and the organization views Lucas as a plus defender who can move around the diamond if needed. Even so, the Mariners are especially encouraged by what he does at third, where his arm strength and lateral movement stand out.
At the plate, Lucas has put together the kind of underlying numbers teams love to dig into. He makes a lot of contact, posts strong exit velocities and pairs that with a disciplined approach. He doesn’t chase much, he draws walks, and this season he walked more than he struck out - usually a good sign when a player is headed into pro ball.
There’s also more power in the tank, at least in the Mariners’ eyes. Lucas shows a real feel for barreling the ball, and the club thinks that part of his game can grow once he gets into a professional development environment. The ingredients are there for a very interesting prospect; the next test is proving it against better competition.
Lucas has reportedly agreed to terms with Seattle on an underslot $450,000 deal. That leaves the Mariners about $450,000 under their bonus pool heading into day two, giving them some added room to maneuver.
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