The Mariners are currently down Ty France due to a heel injury, which will open up a path for one of the team’s top prospects. First baseman Tyler Locklear, who’s played just 10 games above Double-A, has gotten the call to Seattle and will join the Mariners amidst a strong season for the 23-year-old.
A Look at Locklear
New Mariners infielder Tyler Locklear performed quite well as a collegiate infielder. Locklear belted 16 home runs and 31 extra-base hits in his sophomore season three years ago with VCU, then added nine more home runs in the wood-bat Cape Cod League. After a junior campaign that saw Locklear hit .402 (1.342 OPS) with 20 home runs in 2022, the M’s took him in the second round.
Locklear spent a good chunk of 2023 on the IL but still posted good results, as he cracked 39 extra-base hits over 85 games and a .907 OPS. This season with Arkansas (AA) and Tacoma (AAA), Locklear continued to hit, as the 23-year-old recorded a .924 OPS before his promotion.
In the Minors, Locklear was an analytical darling. The 23-year-old infielder posted a 12.3% BB% rate in 2024 and recorded roughly the same (12.5%) last season. At 6’2” and 210 pounds, he’s got a good amount of strength and on video, it does translate to bat speed.
However, scouting reports indicate he’s struggled with chasing and dealing with offspeed and breaking balls.
Locklear spent time in the Minors two years ago at third, a position he played most of his college career. But since then, he’s primarily been a first baseman.
Per reports, Tyler Locklear will join the Mariners for their game on June 9 against the Royals.
Analysis
The 23-year-old first baseman doesn’t have much experience past Double-A, as he was promoted to Tacoma on May 28. That may not mean much in the grand scheme of things but his promotion comes amidst at least a short-term need at first for Seattle.
First baseman Ty France will undergo imaging on his right heel after he was scratched from his scheduled June 8 after a Daniel Lynch IV HBP. For what it’s worth, France, who led the Majors in the stat last season, now holds the M’s record for most hit-by-pitches (90) in franchise history. France passed M’s legend, Edgar Martinez.
Seattle will reportedly have the financial resources to go after improvements this winter, as owner John Stanton told the Seattle Times he’s given the front office a green light after a winter payroll cut that came amidst uncertainty regarding TV revenue.
There will be first baseman options available via the trade market, including Josh Bell, should France miss significant time. However, if Locklear can take control of the position in the interim, it would be a big boon not just in the short-term but would also answer a question about how the M’s approach first base in subsequent years.
Fantasy Outlook
Locklear would be an ideal player to bat in the #1 or #2 slot long-term, given his ability to get on base. The 23-year-old owns a career MiLB of .398 thanks in large part to his aforementioned ability to draw walks.
J.P. Crawford is locked in the M’s leadoff spot but one shouldn’t rule out the possibility he slides into the two-slot at some point. If that’s the case, he could be in a unique position to deliver runs scored and runs batted in, given his prowess at the plate.
That, however, will depend on how long Locklear stays at the MLB level.