Sam Delaplane

The cancellation of the 2020 minor-league campaign robbed Delaplane of the opportunity to follow up his standout 2019 Double-A performance during which he posted a 0.49 ERA, 0.59 WHIP and 14.1 K/9 over 37 innings. The right-hander features two pitches: a mid--90s fastball and wipeout slider, which he has used in tandem to compile a 15.1 K/9 over three minor-league seasons. Though he has experienced control issues at times in his professional career, Delaplane lowered his BB/9 to 2.19 in his dominant 2019 Double-A stint, giving an indication that he is close to being ready to take on a big-league role. Seattle added Delaplane to its 40-man roster in November, validating his status as the organization's top relief prospect. Given the shallow state of the Mariners bullpen and the fact Delaplane will turn 26 in late March, it wouldn't be surprising to see him in a high-leverage role as soon as next season.