Nick Neidert Throws Strikes With Good Stuff

Best Player: OF Ian Miller

Miller wasn’t even cited among the organization’s Top 30 Prospects prior to the season. Even within the organization, he was seen as a speedy defensive outfielder with a suspect bat.

That has changed.

The 25-year-old Miller enjoyed a breakout offensive season in which he batted .307/.355/.393 at Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma while continuing to show plus speed and defense. With Jarrod Dyson a pending free agent, the lefthanded-batting Miller could have a chance next spring to win a big league job.

“Ian continues to develop each part of his game,” farm director Andy McKay said. “2017 was a great year for him, (nearly) winning the Texas League batting title, being promoted to and competing well at the Triple-A level.”

Best Pitcher: RHP Nick Neidert

Even as the Mariners thinned their farm system this summer in an attempt to bolster the big league club, they deflected inquiries regarding Neidert, a 20-year-old picked in the second round of the 2015 draft out of high school. Club officials saw Neidert as their best-bet pitching prospect in the lower minors.

“He’s operating consistently at 92-93 (mph),” general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “His strikeout rate is way up. He doesn’t walk anyone. He throws strikes with good stuff.”

Neidert went 10-3, 2.76 in 19 starts at high Class A Modesto when promoted in late July to Arkansas and was picked as the California League’s pitcher of the year. While Neidert struggled to a 6.56 ERA at Arkansas before his season ended in mid-August when hit in the forearm by a line drive, he remains an easy choice as the organization’s pitcher of the year.

Keep An Eye On: RHP Wyatt Mills

A 22-year-old sidearming reliever, Mills could be the organization’s next off-the-radar breakout candidate. The third-round college senior drafted from Gonzaga in June was generally viewed as a low-budget pick to balance the bonus pool. But scouting director Scott Hunter saw Joe Smith-type potential.

“Every time I’d watch the kid’s video,” Hunter said, “it just reminded me of (Smith). He could be a quick mover if he keeps doing the things he’s doing right now.”

Mills recorded a 1.77 ERA in 20 games at short-season Everett and low Class A Clinton. He permitted just eight hits in 20.1 innings while striking out 29.