Reese, who was drafted out of Mississippi State, made quite the impression at Single-A Inland Empire this season.
Congratulations are in order for Seattle Mariners prospect Ace Reese, who was given high praise by Baseball America on Friday. Reese, who was selected by the Mariners in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft out of Mississippi State, was named by the outlet as having the most impressive debut season of any draft pick from his class.
The 21-year-old played 21 games at Single-A Inland Empire in the California League, hitting .440 with three homers, 19 RBIs and a .530 on-base percentage.
It's certainly fair to point out that in many cases, Single-A is worse than the SEC competition he saw regularly. As a result, it's not surprising he played well, but it is surprising just how well he played so quickly. Especially after he took a few weeks off from game action between the end of the college season and the start of his pro career, and after moving from the aluminum bat to the wood bat.
In 29 plate appearances against left-handers, Reese also hit .330. He had an OPS over 1.000 against both left and right-handed pitchers. Just another example of his strong first impression.
What does his future look like?
Currently ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the organization, per MLB Pipeline, the future looks bright. Projected to make his major league debut in 2029, Reese looks like a middle of the order bat that is going to be able to hit home runs at T-Mobile Park.
The questions lie in his defense: Will he be able to stick at third base? Will he have to move to first? What about a corner outfield spot? Those are all things that would be possible, but the team would prefer if he could stick at third.
It's a futile exercise trying to predict rosters for three years out, but Randy Arozarena is a free agent after this season and Brendan Donovan is a free agent after next season. There are openings for a long-term third baseman or a long-term left fielder. Josh Naylor is signed through 2030, but there could be an opening at first base after him if Reese needs to move there.
Designated hitter is also an option, of course.
What they're saying
Brian O'Connor, who was Reese's coach at Mississippi State this past season, was on a July episode of the 'Refuse to Lose Territory' podcast, and discussed Reese, who hit 24 homers for him this past season.
"You know, just a really, really high-level player. (I) Have been, you know, you referenced it, Brady, have been doing this for a number of years and coaching in college baseball. This guy absolutely is one of the top three performers from an offensive standpoint that I've had in my career and arguably the best power hitter that I've had in my time in coaching.
And so, just really excited for Ace to start his professional career because I just think that he's got the ability to be there in Seattle in a very, very short period."
As for now
The Mariners will finish out the season this weekend against the Los Angeles Angels with three more games at T-Mobile Park. They are 74-85, one of the most disappointing marks in the league.
