The second piece of the Mariners’ first big trade last offseason, signaling the firesale that would ensue, Jake Fraley had an up and down 2019 season. While his trade counterpart, Mallex Smith, would slot right into center field for the Mariners, Fraley still needed some seasoning in the minor leagues. Traded for former top pick Mike Zunino and fan favorite Guillermo Heredia, Jerry Dipoto made a strong effort to ensure that Fraley would be a part of the trade.
After being drafted by the Rays 77th overall in 2016, Fraley’s first taste of the minors in short season was a success, as the LSU product skipped rookie ball and headed straight to the New York-Penn League.