Mariners sign 2 more draft picks — both infielders who can hit for power, average
The Seattle Mariners announced Friday they have inked two more of their selections from the 2020 Major League Baseball Draft.
Both Oklahoma State infielder Kaden Polcovich (third round pick) and Ole Miss infielder Tyler Keenan (fourth round) have signed on with the organization.
“Kaden Polcovich has hit everywhere he has been, including his 2019 Cape Cod League season which led to a hot start at Oklahoma State to begin the 2020 season,” Mariners director of amateur scouting Scott Hunter said in a release.
“Tyler Keenan has been a productive hitter that has hit for average and power over his three-year career in the SEC. He has impressive power to all fields.”
Seattle has now signed five of its six draft picks. Georgia right-hander Emerson Hancock (first round), Texas A&M outfielder Zach DeLoach (second round) and Cal Poly right-hander Taylor Dollard (fifth round) signed Thursday. McLennan Community College right-hander Connor Phillips (Competitive Balance B round) is the only pick the Mariners have yet to sign.
Polocovich, who Seattle selected at No. 78 overall, has a smaller frame at 5-foot-8, 180 pounds, but Hunter said after the draft the Mariners believe he has “real power” in his swing and the ability to “get everything out of his body.”
The 21-year-old switch-hitter was another who caught Seattle’s attention in the Cape Cod League last summer, slashing at .305/.426/.473 with eight doubles, a triple, four homers, 28 RBIs and six stolen bases after a pair of productive seasons playing for Northwest Florida State.
He transferred to Oklahoma State for what turned into a shortened 18-game junior season this spring due to the COVID-19 pandemic and hit .344/.494/.578 for the Cowboys with five doubles, two triples, two homers, 21 RBIs and eight stolen bases.
Polcovich will start in the organization as a second baseman, but also has experience at third and could develop into a super utility player.
His father, Kevin, was an infielder for the Pirates for two seasons in 1997-98.
Keenan, who the Mariners selected at No. 107 overall, showcased power to all fields and slugged above .500 each of his three seasons at Ole Miss, finishing with 23 doubles, two triples, 31 homers and 137 RBIs in 139 games.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound left-handed slugger hit 403/.488/.791 in his shortened 17-game junior season with five doubles, seven homers and 33 RBIs.
The 21-year-old also took second in the 2019 College Home Run Derby.
Keenan has primarily played third base, but could project as a first baseman long term.
He signed for $500,000 (slot value $543,500), according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 12:00 PM.
