Mariners’ top two draft picks expected to play in Everett

Published 1:30 am Thursday, June 14, 2018

EVERETT — The Everett AquaSox announced Thursday that the Seattle Mariners’ top two picks in last week’s Major League Baseball draft will be assigned to Everett.

Seattle selected Stetson University pitcher Logan Gilbert with the 14th pick in the first round. As a junior this season, Gilbert finished with an 11-1 record and a 2.52 ERA. The 6-foot-6, 225-pound right-hander recorded 157 strikeouts — the most in NCAA Division I baseball this season.

Gilbert has yet to sign, but will be added to the Everett roster when he does, the AquaSox said. Gilbert is expected to sign and be introduced at Safeco Field this weekend. Stetson reached the NCAA Super Regionals last weekend where the Hatters fell to North Carolina and finished one step short of the College World Series.

The Mariners already have signed their second-round pick, University of Louisville outfielder Josh Stowers. As a junior, Stowers hit .336 with 72 runs, 14 doubles, four triples, nine home runs, 60 RBI, 52 walks and 36 stolen bases.

“It’s a great organization to be a part of, and I’m excited,” said Stowers, who grew up a Cubs fan in the Chicago suburbs.

Seattle took Stowers 54th overall, which was higher than anticipated.

“I was a little surprised, but I had no doubt in my mind I was going to go (on) the first day,” Stowers said. “For the most part it was just excitement. That’s all you feel on draft day.”

At 6-foot, 205 pounds, the speedy Stowers is expected to play center field.

“I’ve been told I’m going to stay in center as long as I can, but I can play all three (positions),” Stowers said.

This marks the first time since 2013 that both Seattle’s first- and second-round picks will each report to Everett. That summer first-round pick D.J. Peterson and second-round selection Austin Wilson both debuted for the Frogs.

The AquaSox open their 2018 season Friday night at home against the Hillsboro Hops.