Mariners Minor League Recap, Week 23: September 9 - September 15

Playoffs?! We’re talking about playoffs?!

As the minor league season winds down and postseason battles begin, the Mariners system finds themselves with two playoff bound affiliates who are looking to make considerable noise in the coming weeks. With both teams peaking at the exact right time, it’s hard to imagine anyone wants to face a Seattle affiliate at the moment. Some lethal lineups and exquisite pitching are about to hit the field in the next few days, and I can’t encourage you enough to check them out. In person, on MiLB TV, or radio, it’s sure to be an amazing time.

Tacoma Rainiers

35-34, 3rd in PCL West

While it is technically “never over until it’s over”, I think I’m willing to put a bow on the Rainiers’ season after a disappointing series loss to Oklahoma City. The loss pushed them down into third place in their division, now 4.5 back of a playoff spot with just a week left to play. They certainly had their moments this season, but with two teams to pass and little margin for error, I’d have to imagine the best of the season is behind them.

The individual side of things wasn’t all that great this week, but Tyler Locklear had a very solid week at the dish, going 5-18 with five walks. Locklear has managed to up his season OPS to .860 and has turned things on during the month of September after a mediocre August. Locklear has had a bit of a weird year, perhaps falling in the eyes of evaluators for inconsistent play, however with as much roster jockeying as he did, I believe he is owed some grace. The start of young careers rarely goes as smoothly as people would like and it’s commonplace to see top prospects struggle out of the gates. He’ll have to hit (a lot) to be a big league first baseman, but he’s still on track to do just that and remains in heavy consideration for extended plate appearances next season.

Arkansas Travelers

44-25, 1st in Texas League North

Having previously clinched their playoff spot earlier last week, the Travelers weren’t necessarily playing for all that much, however they were able to claim the division title outright thanks to their dominating 5-1 series win against NW Arkansas. It didn’t change any playoff seeding or anything like that, but it’s cool to win things without any technicalities. With division rival Springfield waiting in the first round, it’ll be up to a red hot squad of talented prospects to make a championship run a reality.

The trio of Cole Young, Harry Ford, and Ben Williamson have been the engine behind the Travs and their recent success, fueling this lineup to consistent run production they’ve lacked for most of the year. Young, who managed to secure a four-hit game in the series opener, finished the week 7-19 with four walks. Williamson, who employs an aggressive approach at the plate, went 5-15 and has an OPS north of .850 on the month. Perhaps the best of them all, Harry Ford finished the week 7-19 with five walks and raised his monthly OBP to .481. The Travs will need this three headed monster to stay hot if they want to make a deep run at it, but it’s encouraging to see meaningful production come from the bats you would expect to carry a playoff roster. It bodes incredibly well for the outlook of the system.

Lost in the glory of a lights out starting staff, lefthander Danny Wirchansky managed to claim the Texas League ERA title with a 2.84 mark. The 27-year-old had a tremendous year and has perhaps unlocked something with the M’s he couldn’t find in his previous ventures through baseball. The journey isn’t always linear, and Wirchansky has proved that with his career year following a season with an Independent League team in 2023. Hopefully he sticks around and gets a shot in Tacoma next season.

Modesto Nuts

California League Championship, 1-0

The Nuts continue their streak! Having swept San Jose in the divisional round and taking the first game of the championship series in thrilling fashion, Modesto has now won their last 13 playoff games. The Nuts are looking to repeat as California League champs and prove to the city of Modesto that this affiliate is worth keeping around. With their lineup clicking at just the right time and recent draftees bolstering their bullpen, the Nuts couldn’t be closer to hoisting that trophy for a second straight year. I hope you’ll tune in Tuesday to catch the game.

That concludes our weekly recap. Go Nuts, Go Travs, and GOMS!!