Winter Meeting Conclude On Thursday

There have been signings of several free agents for a lot of money none by the Mariners. In fact, the Mariners haven't announced acquisitions during the meetings this week. It doesn't mean the Mariners won't acquire anyone this week or over the next few weeks. I am sure Jerry Dipoto and his staff have talked to numerous players and or their agents.

Thursday The Rule 5 draft takes place. The Mariners have the number six spot so they could get a good player. They have two players that are eligible for the draft they could lose. They are outfielder Dom Thompson-Williams who they acquired last year in the James Paxton trade, and Ljay Newsome right-handed pitcher. Williams has potential but didn't have a good year in the Mariner minor leagues. The Mariners have several outfielders including number one prospect Jarred Kelenic and number two prospect Julio Rodriguez ahead of him. Williams's poor season he may not be drafted at all. 

Newsome, on the other hand, was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 26th round in 2015. He started out on the Mariner's rookie team in Arizona in 2015. In 2016 he spent in Everett before going to low single-A in 2017. His stats don't look too impressive until 2019. He began last season at High Level-A Modesto where he started 18 games with an era of 3.75. On July 15, the Mariners promoted him to Double-A Arkansas where he started nine games with an era of 2.77. If the Mariners would have added Newsome to the 40-man roster he likely would have started the season at Double-A Arkansas or moved up to Triple-A Tacoma. The Mariners decided to game about possibly losing Newsome by not adding him to the 40-man roster. There is more of a chance the Mariners will lose Newsome than Williams. Whatever teams they would be picked by they would have to be on the opening day roster spending the season on the whole season or be offered back to Seattle.

So we will see where Williams and Newsome might land and who the Mariners may pick. They are hoping the player they acquire will be another find like Brandon Brennan was for them last year. I will let you know the Mariners choose and what other players they may sign or trade for on Thursday. Go M's.