As we draw nearer to the MLB Draft on July 11-12 in Philadelphia, all eyes are on the Seattle Mariners' 24th overall pick. Among the buzz, ESPN's mock draft choice of Bo Lowrance, a promising third baseman from Christ Church Episcopal high school, has caught significant attention.
The reason? A comparison to none other than Freddie Freeman.
Kiley McDaniel of ESPN has likened Lowrance to Freeman, and he's not alone in seeing the resemblance in the 6-foot-5 prep prospect. While Lowrance may take a bit longer to progress through the minors compared to his college counterparts, McDaniel emphasizes the Mariners' need to bolster their farm system as their top prospects make their way to Seattle.
Imagine snagging a player touted as the next Freddie Freeman. Freeman's illustrious 17-season career in the majors speaks for itself: three World Series titles, nine All-Star nods, three Silver Slugger Awards, and two All-MLB First Team selections, among other accolades.
Yet, there's a twist of irony in the Mariners potentially drafting a player compared to Freeman. Once upon a time, they had a shot at the real deal.
Let's rewind to the 2007 MLB draft, where the Mariners, holding the 11th pick in the second round, had Freeman within reach. Instead, they opted for Denny Almonte, an outfielder from Florida Christian School.
Freeman was picked just three slots later by the Braves, and the rest is history. Almonte spent seven seasons in the Mariners' farm system but never broke into the majors. Meanwhile, Freeman's .299 batting average and .895 OPS in the majors starkly contrast Almonte's .239 average and .706 OPS in the minors.
And if that wasn't enough to make Mariners fans wince, there's more. Right after the Mariners selected Almonte, the Marlins picked Giancarlo Stanton. While Stanton might not have the same accolades as Freeman, he's carved out a stellar career, highlighted by an NL MVP Award in 2017 and an ALCS MVP just two seasons ago.
If the Mariners do draft Lowrance, they'll undoubtedly be thrilled if he achieves even a fraction of Freeman's success. But it's hard to ignore the fact that back in 2007, they could have had either the 2020 NL MVP or the 2017 NL MVP. It's a tough pill to swallow, but hey, sometimes that's just baseball.
In Other News...
Mariners Add Buddy Kennedy As Another Infield Depth Debate Begins
The Mariners kept adding to their infield options Monday by bringing in Buddy Kennedy, a move that fits the kind of small, practical depth shopping Seattle has been doing as the season wears on. Kennedy arrives from the Giants for cash considerations after spending most of the year at Triple-A Sacramento, and he gives the organization another experienced minor league bat to plug into the system without costing much to acquire.
Kennedy is expected to report to Tacoma, where he can stay ready if Seattle needs an extra body at third or second base. His major league rsum is still thin, with just 8 plate appearances in 7 games this season and no hits to show for them, but the Mariners are clearly treating him as a viable fallback while the bigger infield picture continues to sort itself out, including the possibility of covering for Patrick Wisdom if the need arises. [Read more 🡒]
Mariners May Be Eyeing A Riskier Twins Pivot For Right-Handed Thump
As the trade deadline creeps closer, the Mariners search for offense is starting to look a little broader than the obvious names. Minnesota keeps popping up as a possible source, with Royce Lewis emerging as one alternative to Byron Buxton and Ryan Jeffers also mentioned as a right-handed bat who could help balance Seattles lineup. Lewis has shown some life since coming back from the minors, but the attraction is tied as much to his upside as to the frustration that has followed him for much of his career.
The risk is baked into both Twins options, which is why this feels more like a front-office debate than a clean fit. Lewis comes with the kind of injury history and inconsistency that can make any club hesitate, while Jeffers would need to prove he is healthy enough and worth the at-bats in a crowded mix. Even so, Seattle has the kind of payroll flexibility to chase a bat if it decides the upside is worth the gamble, and that is what makes this a name to keep on the radar. [Read more 🡒]
Mariners May Be Headed For Another Dugout Debate Soon
Speculation around Dan Wilsons future is starting to follow the Mariners again, and it comes with the kind of backdrop that tends to make every loss feel bigger. The discussion is rooted in the clubs current performance and the broader organizational mood, with some around the team wondering whether a change could eventually become necessary if the season keeps going the wrong way.
If Seattle were to decide it needed a new voice before the year is over, the conversation would likely stay inside the building rather than turn outward. Manny Acta has the clearest profile as a replacement given his long run with the organization and prior managerial experience, while Jake McKinley sits farther down the list as more of a wildcard. If the Mariners wait until the offseason, though, the field could widen considerably, with names such as Alex Cora and Grady Sizemore entering the conversation. [Read more 🡒]